Heading into Wednesday night's game at Golden State the Finals is tied at 1-1 between the Warriors and the Raptors. The Warriors have had to deal with a slew of injuries including Kevin Durant being out for what looks like is the first 3 games, as well as Klay Thompson going down in game 2 after straining his hamstring. In addition, previous Finals MVP Andre Iguodala also was limping in the locker room after game 2. The pressure for game 3 rests on the shoulders of Steph Curry who hasn't won the Finals MVP during his career despite being on 3 championship teams. Without his other weapons Curry needs to perform in order to defeat the Raptors, but it won't be easy against Toronto's stout defense. Without Durant, the Warriors become the first team since the 1991 Lakers to play a Finals game without their leading scorer from the regular season. The Warriors would be without their third leading scorer from the regular season if Klay misses game 3. Steph has been known as a team player and very unselfish in terms of who gets the spotlight, he would rather his team win even if it means sacrificing his own stats and performance. Curry has won regular season back to back MVPs but is still looking to add "Finals MVP" to his already impressive resumé. Curry's teammates have stated they want him to join the elite company of Finals MVPs as it is fairly certain that Steph will be in the Hall of Fame after his career is over.
Toronto has to take advantage of the injuries to Golden State by winning game 3, in order to for Toronto to win the Finals they have to steal a game on the road while winning their remaining two home games. The best opportunity to steal a road win would be before Durant returns which could be as early as game 4 which is also in Golden State. Analysts have been stating that the pressure is on the defending champs in Golden State for game 3, I disagree. There is no better opportunity for Toronto to take control of this series by winning on Wednesday night due to the fact that nobody really knows how soon KD will be ready to return.
