The Golden State Warriors are in a position they probably didn't expect to be in, facing a must-win scenario in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
After a season of dominance, they are finding their once-fluid offense stifled by a Cleveland Cavaliers defense featuring the likes of Matthew Dellavedova. To make matters worse for the Warriors, in Game 3, Dellavedova started scoring.
Following the loss, Dubs shooting guard Klay Thompson was trying to keep things in perspective - especially in regards to Dellavedova's and-1 circus shot with under three minutes left in the game.
"That shot (Dellavedova) hit when we were down one when (Stephen Curry) fouled him, that was just lucky, man," Thompson told reporters Tuesday night. "I guarantee he doesn't practice that shot so, big player though, and we're not going to let this game deflate us."
Thompson and the Warriors were quick to spin the fact that they faced a 2-1 deficit in the second round against the Memphis Grizzlies, too. In that matchup, Thompson found himself contained somewhat by Tony Allen through two games, not unlike what Curry is experiencing now.
"This reminds us so much of the Memphis series," Thompson said.
Whether that's true or not, the Warriors simply haven't faced much adversity this season. Teammate Draymond Green - also in a shooting slump, hitting under 27 percent of his shots in the Finals - was incredulous when asked by a reporter if the Warriors needed to "pump each other up."
"Whatchu' mean? Like we living in some pity party?" Green said. "We need to go talk to each other? Like we going to go pity together and try to get each other going? I can tell you right now, you far off with that one, bro."
Thompson said that he believes the Warriors will still win the series if they can "get their offense back." That's becoming more and more urgent.
