Clippers vs Warriors – Game 4 Picks

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

Game 4

Sunday 3:30 pm EST

April 27, 2014

Line: Los Angeles Clippers -2.5

Five years into his NBA career, Stephen Curry’s legacy is beginning to take shape. Unfortunately for the Warriors, with the way he’s played this series, Curry has a ways to go before he’s considered one of the greats.

Yes, his shot is more picture-perfect than a snapshot of the famous 17^th hole at the TPC of Sawgrass. His form would rival that of Tiger Woods’ swing. His numbers during the regular season are All-NBA first-team worthy. After leading the league in made 3-pointers (261), while finishing in the top-ten in 3-point percentage (.424) during the regular season, the playoffs have been a different a story.

Curry has carried the Warriors into the playoffs. He’s one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. He’s becoming one of the best in NBA history. But greatness doesn’t come from a game-winning shot in October, or scoring 44 points in January. It comes from winning basketball games in June.

Before the Warriors can think about playing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Curry and the rest of the team must figure things out in a hurry. Despite shooting 19.4 percent from 3-point range, the Warriors had an opportunity to win Game 3 in the final seconds; their inefficiency in Game 3 was simply a microcosm of the entire series.

Continuing to struggle with the Clippers defense, shooting just 32.1 percent from downtown in their last five games, the Warriors can ill-afford to continue their horrid shooting. Curry, who has attempted only 29 shots in the last two games, needs to start asserting himself. Otherwise, he’ll start to resemble his brother, Seth, instead of the great shooter his father was, Dell.

Despite what Vegas says, by no means is this series over—not with the Warriors ability to shoot from long-range. We’ve all seen what the Clippers are capable of doing. If it’s not Blake Griffin taking over the game than it’s been Chris Paul. The Warriors cannot continue to put themselves in a desperate situation. Game after game, the Warriors have needed to fight back after trailing early. In Game 1, they were successful. The other two games, not so much.

With their backs against the wall, and their season on the line, the Warriors find a way to tie this series at 2 games apiece. It’s a desperation time for Golden State. Sometimes, that brings out the best in teams. Game 4 will be one of those times.

My Pick: Golden State Moneyline