Through three games, the Golden State Warriors have dominated the Kawhi Leonard-less San Antonio Spurs, taking a 3-0 series lead. The Spurs haven’t been able to find enough offense to compete against the Warriors, although they played tougher in Game 3, staying within striking distance for most of the contest. Ultimately, Kevin Durant went on an offensive clinic in the third quarter to put away San Antonio. Facing elimination, the Spurs are once again going to be shorthanded. What can they do to keep their season alive?
Injury report
Injuries have been the theme of this series, as Leonard hasn’t played in any of the last two games, which has resulted in blowout victories for the Warriors.
Leonard is unlikely to play in Game 4 as he continues to nurse a sprained ankle. Without Leonard, the Spurs aren’t as good defensively and suffer considerably on the offensive end. David Lee will join Leonard on the inactive list. The veteran forward injured his knee in Game 3 and did not return. He has a torn patella and it is doubtful that he will return for tonight’s contest, leaving the Spurs extremely depleted.
For the Warriors, Andre Iguodala will probably play. He had a sore knee that kept him out of Game 2, but he returned in Game 3. Zaza Pachulia is questionable to play due to a heel injury he suffered in Game 2. With or without Pachulia, the Warriors shouldn’t have any issues closing out tonight.
Besides, JaVale McGee has been an outstanding replacement.
LaMarcus Aldridge needs a huge performance
Everyone in San Antonio is hoping that LaMarcus Aldridge could carry the team to victory with a monstrous performance. The 31-year-old had a solid Game 1 outing, but has been quiet since. The Spurs are going to need 30-plus points from the big man if they want to have a chance.
Perhaps they can get him involved early in the mid-post where he flourishes the most.
Strong outings from the role players
Manu Ginobili had a strong performance in Game 3, scoring 21 points in 18 minutes on a 7-of-9 shooting. The team needs another solid performance from the 39-year-old Argentinian, but others must step up as well.
Jonathon Simmons, Leonard’s replacement, must have another huge outing like he did in Game 2, and Pau Gasol needs to score more as well.
Patty Mills and Danny Green are two other key players, as they each had seven points in Game 3. These two must be efficient and effective to keep the Spurs' season alive. The Warriors are aware that the two are crucial to San Antonio’s success, as discussed by Coach Mike Brown after Game 3, so Mills and Green must be sharp.
Warriors have too much offensive firepower
Ultimately, the Warriors have too much offensive firepower, from Stephen Curry to Klay Thompson to Kevin Durant, for the Spurs. The amount of offensive weapons for Golden State is too overwhelming for the Spurs, especially with Leonard out.
The Warriors will look to close the series tonight to earn a lengthy nine-day break before the NBA Finals.
Game 4 is set for 9 pm Eastern Time on ESPN and will take place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
