While Danny Green didn't score a single point in the first half, his defensive switch onto Stephen Curry was an absolute difference-maker for the Spurs.
Green didn't allow Curry to score a single basket in the second quarter, and he knocked down a huge three-pointer that stopped the Warriors' 9-0 run that brought them within one with 10 minutes left in the game.
While Green's stat line of three points, three assists and four rebounds doesn't sound impressive, his defense throughout the game—specifically on Curry—was absolutely exceptional. It was truly the X-factor in Game 3, as he made Curry's night miserable every time he defended him.
If defense truly does win championships, the Spurs are a step above their competition with Green's tenacious perimeter defense. The Warriors have a tough task of figuring out how to overcome it as the series moves on.
With just three points on 1-of-4 shooting in the first half, it appeared that Klay Thompson was having a hangover from his epic Game 2 performance.
Well, it took him just one minute and 30 seconds into the second half to outdo his first-half production, with two quick jumpers that got the Warriors back within a single possession at the 10:26 mark of the third quarter.
Unfortunately, Thompson just couldn't keep knocking down perimeter jumpers, ending the night with a team-high 17 points, but on 7-of-20 shooting from the field.
He also failed to facilitate to his teammates, with just two assists, and he also failed to get to the foul line even once.
In Game 4 and beyond, Thompson absolutely must be more efficient, because if he's not then the pressure mounts on Stephen Curry. And against the Spurs' tenacious defense, Curry may not be able to carry the Warriors alone.
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