Full throttle
Emotions will be running high in Game 7.
It’s going to be different at Toyota Center. So different, it will be wise for Warriors fans to acknowledge a well-worn truth about Game 7 in every sport: Just forget everything you’ve learned.
From the uproarious climate of Oracle Arena, where the Warriors crushed the Rockets 115-86 in Saturday night’s Game 6, it’s on to Texas for a whole new set of emotions: just as passionate as we’ve seen for years in Oakland, Calif., but coming from a singular place.
Well beyond sporting endeavors, Houston has been rocked by devastation. The horrific flooding of Hurricane Harvey left more than 30,000 people homeless last August — and the recovery process is ongoing. More recently, the shooting at Santa Fe High School took place in a region where the Rockets draw some of their most devoted fans.
Most every time the great Chris Paul spoke up in recent days, he prefaced his remarks with thoughts about Houston: the displaced, the disheartened, the dead. The Rockets have been a source of desperately needed joy for Houston, and it will be difficult to measure the level of desire Monday night when this series’ climactic game arrives.
“They’re gonna bring it,” said James Harden, who scored 32 points in the Game 6 defeat. “Got a whole city behind us. Game 7 in H-town! Let’s get it!”
Remember this, too: Paul is likely to test that sore hamstring Monday night. If he feels he can run down the court for even five minutes before that thing starts barking, he’ll go for it. Seasoned fans will remember Willis Reed, the Knicks center who hobbled onto the floor for Game 7 of the 1970 Finals against the Lakers at Madison Square Garden, barely mobile with a torn thigh muscle but somehow able to hit two jump shots, inspiring his team to an unforgettable victory. I’d bet Paul has just that sort of thing in mind.
Warriors ready for moment
The beauty of it all, as we’ve come to realize, is the Warriors are built for the occasion. Heaven knows they don’t always show it. Their maddening vulnerability has been exposed throughout this six-game grind. But the most relevant piece of evidence came Saturday, when they fell behind by 17 points in the first quarter, looked lost, and it appeared the season would end right there. It wasn’t long before you checked the scoreboard and they were up by 30.
Thinking back to past seasons, when the bench was experienced and respected, consider the developments of Game 6. Nick Young played 16 defensiveminded minutes, nearly all of them in crucial stages. He really has no business being on this team, or anywhere near the flame, but he rewarded coach Steve Kerr’s faith. Jordan Bell, his playoff maturity growing by the minute, spent more time on the floor than starting center Kevon Looney.
And then there was Patrick McCaw, appearing from the depths of injury rehabilitation, making a sudden and wondrous appearance in the fourth quarter and hitting a midrange jump shot.
“That was the best feeling of the game today,” said Bell, “just seeing him out there, remembering what happened to him (a serious back injury), and everything he went through.”
As for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, whose “Splash Brothers” majesty launched this project and sent it soaring into the galaxy, it was a night to remember. Together, they shot 25-for-46 from the floor and 14-for-28 on 3-pointers — not historically great for either man, but vital to the cause. For the fans watching in Houston, it probably seemed like neither man missed a second-half shot.
Never to be missed
The team’s mystery is Andre Iguodala, who sat out for a third straight game with a bone bruise in his knee. Social media is alive with fury, accusing Iguodala of a weak-minded stance when the team needs him most. “He should be out there,” they claim. That’s a question only Iguodala can answer, but “weak” is a wrong accusation. If things get desperate in Houston, it won’t be surprising to see Iguodala at least give it a shot.
This will be just the third Game 7 in the Kerr era. The Warriors beat Oklahoma City in the 2016 Western finals, then lost to Cleveland in that year’s Finals, each time at home. So a momentous occasion is at hand.
“Can’t wait till Tuesday,” Durant said at the postgame podium.
“Monday,” Curry reminded him. “Monday.” “My bad,” Durant said. “Please don’t miss the game,” Curry said with a laugh.
Not likely. Game 7 is never to be missed.Bruce