6 Moments From the Dubs' Playoff Streak
The Warriors’ first playoff game in two years is finally here. To get ourselves hyped for the new era of playoff basketball in Golden State, let’s look back at six of the most memorable moments from the seven-year playoff run.
2012-2013: Third Quarter Steph Arrives (R1, G3, vs. Denver)
This was one of the peak moments of playoff basketball in Oracle Arena. I get the chills any time I watch this clip, and I feel the energy of Roarcle (Hot Take, Oracle is better than Chase). While Stephen Curry’s 54-point game was his introduction to the national spotlight in the NBA, this third quarter was Steph’s ascension to star status.
We’ve seen how stupid Steph goes during the third quarter throughout his career. However, this third-quarter performance sparked a different energy in the fans, unlike any other he has had.
I know Golden State made the playoffs 2013-2014, but they got knocked out in the first round. No highlight stood out in that series. So it’s best to gloss over that one. Let’s head to 2015.
2014-2015: Curry’s Corner 3 for OT (R1, G3, vs. New Orleans)
I’m just going to start and say, this was a foul. There was absolutely no reason that this shouldn’t have been called. This should’ve been an AND-1, four-point play, and no overtime period. We know Steph gets no respect from officials.
This three by Steph left me and still leaves me speechless because of the degree of diffculty this shot had. No further explanation for this one. You just got to watch and see how wild of a shot this was.
2015-2016: Game 6 Klay Is Born (WCF, G6, vs. OKC)
Think about the incredible moments spread across the Warriors’ playoff run. Game 6 Klay might be the most special all across the board. There are many reasons why you can say this as well. The magnitude of Game six in the series against Oklahoma was surreal. Golden State was down three games to two in the Western Conference Finals, and it was a home game for OKC. Chesapeake Arena was one of the most challenging places to play in the NBA when OKC was at its best. With a trip to the finals on the line and the chance to knock out the best regular-season team ever, you knew the energy would be wild.
With all of that in consideration for the game, Klay owned the pressure and delivered an unforgettable match. The Splash Brother finished with 41 points with 11 threes. It was one of the best playoff performances the NBA has seen in recent years.
Just as Curry solidified himself as a star in the playoffs against Denver in 2013, Thompson did just that in this game here. Ever since then, the legend of Game 6 Klay has continued to live on to this day.
2016-2017: KD Dagger From The Wing (Finals, G3, vs. Cleveland)
The KD dagger in game three of the NBA Finals is why both Kevin Durant and Golden State wanted him to come to the Bay. When KD pulled these three, my first reaction was, “no way he just pulled that,” even as we are used to Steph pulling a shot like that.
This was another shot of significant magnitude since this eventually gave Golden State the 3-0 lead against Cleveland in the finals that year.
This shot will live in the NBA History books for so many reasons. The call from the booth, the anticipation, the energy, all of it.
2017-2018: Livingston Dances with Harden (WCF, G3, vs. Houston)
Can we all agree that we miss Shaun Livingston? I think we can. I know I miss him. Livingston was one of the essential pieces to the three titles. Livingston was a unique talent with versatility on both sides of the ball, intelligent decision-making, and a mismatch nightmare. It was amazing to see the former number one pick’s talents be recognized with Golden State, especially after the severe injuries he suffered. So let’s show some love to one of his craftiest plays as a Warrior.
2018-2019: Steph Owns Houston (R2, G6, vs. Houston)
Let alone the championship victories; I think this might be my favorite game/moment from the playoff run. It just makes it even better since it was against Houston. Now let’s paint the picture of this game.
Game six. In Houston. KD is out. The Rockets were already at an advantage before the game started. The game starts. Steph Curry was in foul trouble early. He had no points in the first half, yet Golden State was only down single digits at the break.
The second half started, and everything changed. Curry got his flow and went to work. The Rockets’ defense just looked nonexistent, almost disrespectfully nonexistent to Steph. The game comes down to the wire in the fourth, and I will have this play on repeat in my mind forever. With PJ Tucker on him, Steph hits a double-cross, double behind the back, sidestep fade away three, and drains it.
His second-half performance was an art display. Best of all, he sent James Harden and Chris Paul packing for Cancun.