Warriors far from panicking with Grizzlies series tied
Consider this: The Golden State Warriors went a franchise-record and NBA-best 67-15 this season, then swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs. Tuesday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals was their first defeat since April 7, and their first at home since Jan. 27.
In an age of instant gratification and low patience, however, this doesn't sit well with some. The Warriors had something to say about naysayers after practice Thursday, notably the sarcastic approach from coach Steve Kerr.
Kerr says #Warriors are "changing everything" after Game 2 loss -- "triangle offense, zone defense, Steph off the bench."
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 7, 2015
Following Tuesday's Grizzlies-esque 97-90 win, forward Draymond Green also mocked the cries of concern. "Everybody expected us to go undefeated I guess in the playoffs," Green said. "Nobody expects us to lose a game at home. Now the whole world's collapsed. The Bay Area's just been hit by an earthquake. Everything's going wrong.
"We'll be just fine," Green concluded.
On Thursday however, Green conceded the Warriors are in a position they haven't been used to this season.
Draymond Green: We're in foreign territory. Guys were on edge @ practice today. A lil in their feelings. But locked in. Focused.Had a good 1
— Rosalyn Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) May 7, 2015
As they deal with the silliness of three days off between contests - Game 3 goes Saturday night in Memphis - ample practice time is paired with fan and media scrutiny. Kerr says he's not worried about shooting guard Klay Thompson, who went 6-of-15 shooting the ball with five turnovers in Game 2.
The Grizzlies' lockdown defender Tony Allen made his presence felt with Thompson, something the coach has a simple solution for.
"Don't dribble so much in his space," Kerr told reporters.
Thompson, on the other hand, blew off any suggestion that the energetic Allen is in his head.
"They know what I think, now?" Thompson said. "Come on, man."
It's worth noting that Thompson averaged close to 31 points in three games vs. Memphis this season, yet his 42-point outburst against them on April 13 came without Allen in the lineup.
The Grizzlies were 31-10 at home this season.
"Now it's time to strap up and show what we're made of," said Green.