Warriors look to take control against Grizzlies

Just a few days ago, the Golden State Warriors were on the ropes against the Memphis Grizzlies after two straight losses had them trailing their second-round series. The Warriors faced their first real adversity this season on the road in The Grindhouse in Game 4, but Golden State passed its test with flying colors in a 101-84 victory.

Aided by MVP Stephen Curry and a bold adjustment by head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors looked like the Warriors again. Curry set the tone early with his playmaking and then caught fire with his own shooting. After several sub-par games, Curry put up 33 points on 11-of-22 shooting overall and 4-of-9 from long range.

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That bold adjustment by Kerr involved sticking center Andrew Bogut on guard Tony Allen. While it seemed like a crazy idea, the rationale behind the move was sound and it ultimately worked out. Since Allen isn’t a threat from the perimeter, Bogut just didn’t bother guarding him out there, instead focusing on protecting the rim. The Grizzlies’ offense was all out of sorts all game, and it turned into a blowout because the Warriors’ offense found its groove.

Allen is dealing with a hamstring injury, and he might not play in Game 5 back at Oracle Arena. That’s both good and bad news for Memphis, but probably bad. While the absence of Allen could lead to better floor spacing offensively, it would also lead to weaker defense. Allen’s tenacious defense on Curry and Klay Thompson has been a key in this series and a big reason why it’s tied 2-2.

In addition to Curry being great and the defense ramping it up again, Draymond Green found his shooting stroke and Harrison Barnes scored in double figures. Thompson didn’t have the greatest game, but he still finished with 15 points and played great defense on Mike Conley, who shot 4-of-15 from the field.

With Allen either hobbled or out and the series shifting back to Oracle, the Warriors are a big favorite in Game 5. It’s hard to imagine Golden State losing yet another game at home after losing Game 2 on its own court, and the Warriors are a 9½-point favorite. The over/under for the game is 196 points. I expect another big Warriors win.