Ty Lawson Shines But Stephen Curry Bails Out Golden State In Game 3 Win

Apr 26, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a three point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

This was one of the most epic back and forth games I have ever seen in an NBA Playoffs. Ty Lawson and Steph Curry waged a Mighty-Mouse, blow-for-blow battle that won’t soon be forgotten, at least until they play again on Sunday.

From double clutch reverses to running left handed scoops over two players to three ball’s to dimes, pretty much whatever you can think of for a point guard to do was done on Friday night. Lawson was the blur with 35 points and 10 assists, Curry was the dazzle with 29 points of his own and 11 assists. In the end the Warriors came up 6 inches better than the Nuggets as Andre Igoudala’s half court attempt from the right side of the court clanged off of the left-side rim.

The win for Golden State overshadowed two underlying Warriors themes in the game. One was Klay Thompson’s dreadful night with just 6 points on just 3-10 shooting was picked up by Jarrett Jack’s incredible showing with 23 points. The other was that Curry was injured with a bum left ankle and a game-time decision. Due to the ankle, he could again be game-time on Sunday and keep in mind that had there only been two days between games 2 and 3, he wouldn’t have been able to go.

Back to Thompson (whom we are specifically keeping tabs on for obvious reasons) he started out forcing everything on the offensive end, leading to a team high four turnovers and several other helter-skelter plays that ended with the Nuggets owning the basketball regularly. Clearly, the nerves of the home atmosphere got to him, but he made a big running layup late in the game and I think he’ll bounce back strong in Game 4. Thankfully for him, Curry bailed him and the team out so the pressure will be off of the Warriors in a way. Regardless, if you aren’t watching this series, you’re missing the boat completely.

Go Cougs, Go Klay!