The Golden State Warriors overcame an overtime scare in Game 4 of their 2013 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals series against the San Antonio Spurs to even up the series and send it back to Texas all knotted up at two games-a-piece. They did so with Stephen Curry hobbling around on an injured left ankle that should be a little more healed heading into tonight’s pivotal Game 5 showdown.
Curry wasn’t tasked with running around much in Game 4. Instead the guard found himself parked on the arc quite a bit and made the most of his opportunities in nailing five of ten three-pointers. By the end of the overtime period and a decisive 97-87 win for the Warriors, Curry had sunk 22 total points. It was vindication for the Warriors after blowing a 16 point lead in Game 1 with four minutes left and then losing the game in overtime.
The Warriors head into San Antonio tonight knowing they can play well and win on the road. The series would be a 3-1 advantage for the Warriors with two road wins had the Warriors not blown that big Game 1 lead. In both games at San Antonio the Warriors were the better team in terms of shooting, rebounding, and hustle. They figure to be the favorite again tonight.
It’s impossible to count out this seasoned Spurs team that knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. Though they dropped Game 4 in overtime at Golden State, they won the previous road game in an arena that is widely labeled as the most difficult to win in on the road in the entire NBA. One more free throw or made shot in regulation in Game 4 and they would have won both road games.
Tony Parker is still nursing a bruised left calf that isn’t enough to keep him out of games but does bug him a little bit. It’s not as severe as Curry’s injury but definitely worth taking note of. Parker shot only 6 for 17 in Game 4 as part of the Spurs 36 percent shooting, way below where they usually stand. The Spurs top shooting player in that game was Manu Ginobili off the bench.
Tonight’s NBA 2013 Playoffs Round 2 Game 5 match between the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs tips off at 9:30/8:30c in high definition on TNT. Those with cable or satellite subscriptions have the option of watching a free online live streaming version of Game 5 here at TNT Overtime via an iPad, mobile phone, laptop or other Internet connected device. With Curry a little healthier and the Warriors already haven proven they can win in Texas, I expect another close game and predict a Warriors 90-85 win and a commanding 3-1 series lead.
