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 The top-seeded Warriors nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback on
Tuesday but were ultimately undone by a slow start that saw key
members of their fast-paced offense sleepwalk through the first
three quarters of a 96-91 loss.
Golden State awoke in time to cut a 20-point third-quarter deficit
into a one-point game with under three minutes to play as their key
players started to get aggressive.
"For us to win this series we have to play that way the whole game,"
said Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who finished with 27 points but
was not a factor until the final quarter.
"Especially on the road, we have to just play free, have fun, and be
the aggressors if we're going to win this series."
The loss marked the second consecutive game Golden State got off to
a slow start and they trail the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game
Four set for Thursday in Cleveland.
While the Warriors cruised through the regular season and never
faced a playoff elimination game en route to the NBA's championship
series, they are no strangers to slow starts and therefore not about
to panic.
"We had times throughout the season where it seemed like we weren't
in sync, and we just keep gutting it out and find a way through it,"
said Warriors forward Andre Iguodala, who chipped in 15 points.
Until the final quarter, the Warriors simply lacked patience and
were unable to penetrate the Cavaliers defense.
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One bright spot for Golden State came from reserve David Lee, who
did not play in the first two games in the series but came off the
bench to score 11. He is expected to play a larger role in
Thursday's Game Four.
"You've got to bring life. You've got to bring some emotion.
Obviously when the shots go in, it's easier to do that, but you have
to do that when the shots aren't going in as well," said Warriors
coach Steve Kerr.
"This is what we have to fight through. Things aren't going our way,
it doesn't matter, you've got to fight through. You've got to bring
energy."
(Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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