Worry for Stephen Curry? One Concerning Stat for Warriors’ Guard Could Be Decisive Factor Against Houston Rockets in 2025 NBA Playoffs
The Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry are inseparable. He is their offensive engine when it comes to the postseason games and whenever Curry ‘cooks’ Warriors are guaranteed victory. The fans will be hoping for same when the Warriors start their 2025 post-season with first round against Houston Rockets.
Rockets, who missed the last four playoffs (even play in series) finished second in the 2024-25 regular season standings. Reason behind it? The surge in the defensive standards under Ime Udoka. Side stands fourth in the NBA 2024-25 season with 110.3 defensive rating, fifth in opposition points of fast break and forth in the points off turnover. All the areas where the Golden State Warriors thrive.
But that is not the only concern the Warriors would be looking to overcome. The side is heavily dependent on Stephen Curry’s production and sadly, Curry’s efficiency against the Rocket’s defence has taken serious hit this season. As per stats, Stephen Curry is shooting 25% this season when guarded by Amen Thompson.
Amen Thompson, fourth overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft, has been tenacious at the defensive end and quick to cut the passes also. Another top defender in the Rockets’ line up is Jalen Green who was drafted by the Clutch City in 2021. Interestingly, Stephen Curry trained both the youngsters over weekend before the playoff. Adding these two to Dillon Brooks, hands Rockets an edge at the defensive end.
In recent matchups up Curry was held to 1-10 shots, scoring just three points in the 106-96 loss and 8-17 in the December game, scoring 19 points in the 90-91 loss. Is Curry worried about the fixture?
“(Amen Thompson) is a big part of who they (Houston) are. You kind off see it. Again, he is a competitor, obviously a supreme athlete, figured out how to impact the game consistently, whether he is shooting or not that’s been fun to watch. It is kind of cool to have him, Jalen Green is also part of the game too. It is wild going into a playoff battle against two guys.”
Can Warriors Counter Rockets’ Physical Play?
Keeping the potent offensive side below 100 was commendable job and the Rockets’ bully-ball defense was the decisive factor holding off the Warriors’ offensive gameplays. It not only angered new addition Jimmy Butler but laid out a plan to counter the tactic in the postseason.
Also Read: Damian Lillard Injury Update: Milwaukee Bucks Get Massive Update on Star Guard’s Availability.
Head coach Kerr explained the situation after the loss.
“There’s a reason teams have to be physical against Steph. I mean, he’s the greatest shooter and mover of all time in this game. We would try to guard him the exact same way.”
But Kerr is not putting the tactics to rest by simply admitting the fact. He is ready to counter it with their own physical gameplay. “By the way, we’re a very physical team too,” Kerr said.
“We’ve been very good in the playoffs by playing a physical game. I welcome all of that. The series will unfold, and teams will complain about officiating. We will, they will – it’s all a part of it.”
The star has been manhandled many times in his career. He has seen it all and adjusted his game when it mattered most. Curry did it against Udoka’s Celtics ,andthe Rockets could be another victim of ‘Baby faced assassin’.
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