With Stephen Curry sidelined through injury, the Golden State Warriors offence simply does not look as fluid. Quinn Cook is a major drop-off in quality and without the two-time MVP in the line-up, Kevin Durant is basically running the point and the team looks disjointed and unable to get into its offensive sets. Their 107-86 blowout loss to Houston on Thursday was evidence of this. Golden State will face San Antonio in their final game of the 'Texas Triangle' road game series and the second night of a road back-to-back. Golden State will need a full team effort from their second unit in order to not feel the full effects of fatigue.
San Antonio are a well oiled machine and veteran all-star caliber players like Demar Derozn and LaMarcus Aldridge keep the machine running. Second year guard Bryn Forbes has been an efficient complimentary player, averaging 12.5ppg and shooting 41.5% from 3 point range.
The matchup that may determine the outcome of this game will be Klay Thompson vs Demar Derozan. Derozan is averaging 25ppg, 6.4rpg and 6.6apg and the San Antonio offense flows through him. Klay averages 21.1ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.7apg and is one of the best pure shooters in the league, however his defensive abilities are often overlooked. In most games, Klay will draw the most difficult defensive assignment and be asked to keep the opposing teams top perimeter player in check. If Klay is able to contain Derozen, San Antonio will be overly-dependent on Aldridge to get them over the line.
