Golden State’s Magical and Mysterious Run in the NBA Playoffs
Don’t ask me exactly how the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors are getting it done, but I can tell you that they’ve been a betting dandy during the NBA Playoffs. The only real explanation for them being tied with the powerhouse San Antonio Spurs is Mark Jackson coaching his ass off because the ‘Dubs (yes, I like this nickname) are now winning with contributions outside of superstar-in-the-making Stephen Curry. Here’s his lines from the last four games:
Game 1 (127-129 2OT Loss) – 44 points and 11 assists in 58 minutes
Game 2 (100-91 Win) – 22 points and 4 assists in 43 minutes
Game 3 (92-102 Loss) – 16 points and 8 assists in 42 minutes
Game 4 (97-87 OT Win) – 22 points and 4 assists in 39 minutes
The trickle-down in minutes is due in large part to a banged up ankle that Curry has been dealing with. Despite his star player not being at a 100 percent, Jackson has maintained his healthy confidence and has pushed young guys like Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes to step up in a huge way en route to the 2-2 series tie.
Contributions aside, the most mysterious aspect of Golden State’s magical run is the money that could have been had if you believed in them over these last four games. Here’s a look at the impressive 3-1 record they’ve posted ATS in the series with San Antonio:
Game 1 – 9.5 dogs and pretty much dominated most of the game and lost by two in double overtime (14 point fourth quarter collapse)
Game 2 – 7.5 dogs and won by nine points
Game 3 – 2.5 favorites and lost by ten points
Game 4 – 1.5 dogs and won by ten points
Making the ‘Dubs favorites in game three and underdogs in game four just goes to show you that Vegas has no idea how to handicap this series. The last three games have also went under with the only over being game one that went into double overtime.
If you want to jump on the bandwagon now, it’s still not a bad idea because the ‘Dubs have been the best story in the Playoffs and I see no reason why this series can’t go seven games. Heck, if the Warriors somehow make it through this round, they could make it all the way to the NBA Finals.
What do you think of the Warriors’ run? Let me know by commenting below.