Golden State Warriors: The Finals And Future For Steph Curry

The Golden State Warriors found themselves on the wrong end of a historical comeback in the NBA Finals. Now, the two-time MVP Stephen Curry is searching for answers

There was nothing more telling than the reactions of the Oracle Arena. The usually electric crowd was silenced and expressions of excitement were stunned.

Draymond Green saw a diminish in output after his outstanding first quarter. Klay Thompson, who had bailed out Golden State throughout the playoffs, barely even saw the ball in the fourth quarter.

None, though, received more scrutiny than two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

He started the game looking like the hero Golden State was waiting for him to be.

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An early barrage from beyond the arc seemed to set the tone that Game 7 would be different and that Curry was going to shoot the Warriors past the resilient Cavaliers.

Instead, he found himself being contained – again – as he so often was during the Finals.

The two-time MVP finished with 17 points and made only four of his fourteen shots from three-point range.

There was also the fact that he fell short on three crucial plays in the fourth quarter.

The mis-timed behind-the-back pass to Thompson that led to a turnover was a glaring one for the Warriors’ superstar. Keep in mind, it’s a play he’d successfully completed all year which made him seem almost clairvoyant on the court.

In the final minute, Curry was defending Kyrie Irving when the latter hit the critical go-ahead three. Throughout the series, much had been made about how despite Curry is seen as the best point guard in the NBA, he was out-played by Irving.

The irony that it was Kyrie to hit the shot over Curry was not lost on anyone watching.

Even so, despite faltering and being unable to impact the fourth quarter, he found the ball in his hands with seconds remaining to keep Golden State in the game. Curry found his way around Kevin Love and put up a three that he has hit literally countless times all season, only to have it bounce clear off the rim this time.

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots the the game winning shot during the fourth quarter against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The loss puts the Warriors in an unwanted historical category. They are the first team to ever lose a Finals after being up 3-1.

Early talk has revolved around the idea that Curry’s struggles kept the team from becoming the dynasty they appeared to be since October.

And yet, the Golden State Warriors are easily among the short list to make it to the Finals once again next season. “The Baby Faced Assassin” is only 28 years old and continues to lead a talented, young roster.

While LeBron James has haltered the train that the Warriors have been riding for two years, it is likely to pick up speed again the moment Curry’s shot finds the bottom of the net come October.

Time heals all wounds. In the NBA, more rings can erase the sting of Finals losses – just ask LeBron.

That’s not to say that adjustments don’t have to be made to his already phenomenal game.

He is not as physically imposing as say, Russell Westbrook. However, an improved ability to affect the game on the defensive end is important if Golden State continues to use Thompson to switch on both guards and forwards.

The Warriors, as successful as they have been playing small, should look to improve their roster to better compete against teams who are strong in the low post such as the Cavs, Thunder, and Spurs.

Now, I do not believe under any circumstances that this roster’s improvement will materialize in the form of Kevin Durant. But, a versatile center like Joakim Noah is now a much more interesting possibility.

Finally, the historical milestones that the Warriors reached this season are not diminished. Title or otherwise, there is a reason the 72-10 record stood for so long and it could be an equally if not longer stretch before the 73-9 record is broken, if ever.

History will not say that Stephen Curry was an NBA champion in 2016. But, it will remember him as the superstar who lead the team with the best record in league history.

A player of that caliber is far from done making waves in his career.

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