(Boston) The Warriors have been one win away from the NBA championship four times in the five occasions Golden State has reached the Finals in Stephen Curry’s 13 seasons.
Posted at 8:35 p.m.
With his club up 3-2 against the Boston Celtics, Curry said he’ll tap into that experience Thursday at TD Garden in Game 6.
“You get to control the nervousness better,” Curry said. At the end of the day, when you’re on the pitch, you have to be in the moment.
“You have to stay as immediate as possible, without thinking about what victory or defeat means. You need a state of mind that is limited to 48 minutes. »
The core of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green was already there when the Warriors triumphed in 2015.
The team is one win away from a fourth title in eight years, with a core backed by Jordan Poole and Canadian Andrew Wiggins, among others.
Curry’s advice for newcomers: turn reality around a bit.
“That game is probably going to be the most demanding of your career, because of what’s at stake,” said the 34-year-old veteran. Convincing yourself of the idea of the present moment and staying there is the best advice I can give. »
Boston held Curry to 16 points Monday (his first four-game average was 34.3), failing to overcome 18 turnovers.
The Celtics are 1-7 in the playoffs when they commit 16 or more turnovers.
Their chance to force a playoff comes at the Garden, where they are 6-5 in the current playoffs.
The atmosphere was relaxed at practice on Wednesday, with smiles and optimism. Star Jayson Tatum said that comes from the team’s recent playoff history.
The Celtics won Game 7 against Milwaukee in the second round and against the Heat in the Eastern Final.
They are only the 12e club to have entered the final having gone through final matches in each of the two previous rounds.
“We answered the call in those moments,” Tatum said. A combination of the thirst for victory and the understanding of certain things, I imagine. »
That, and reminding yourself and teammates that there’s plenty of basketball left to play.
“It takes four wins to win a series. Nothing is settled, Tatum said. As long as it’s not over, you still have a chance. »