The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a tough series with the Sacramento Kings.
It is currently tied 2-2, and we are entering a best-of-3 to decide who moves on.
One player that needs to be on the floor for the Warriors to have a chance is Stephen Curry.
He is the reigning Finals MVP and is one of the most valuable players in basketball.
Curry has been elite in this first-round series.
You can tell that just by the impact that he has while on the court.
According to NBA on ESPN, the Warriors are +45 when Curry is on the court, as opposed to -38 when he is off.
The Steph Curry effect is real 😳@kirkgoldsberry breaks down the key factors in the Warriors-Kings series 🔗 https://t.co/61WQbSslJ5 pic.twitter.com/4fApvURvFx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 25, 2023
When Curry is on the floor, good things happen for the Warriors.
Despite being 35 years old, Curry is in elite shape.
He runs around the floor looking for open shots and can make a basket anywhere inside the arena.
His presence is felt on both ends of the floor for the Warriors.
But, where he is at his best is playmaking and scoring.
The Warriors have struggled on the road this season, but they need to win one in Sacramento to move on.
Curry will need to have another elite performance in Game 5 to give Golden State the edge.
It will be interesting to see if Warriors coach Steve Kerr gives Curry a few extra minutes in this game.
Winning Game 5 and then heading home for Game 6 would allow Golden State to close out at home.
The Warriors go as Curry goes, and he has been going strong for his entire career.
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