Volume 4: Golden State Prosperity

After landing, Antetokounmpo took a step back and rubbed his chest. In his previous life, Curry had played through injury and never returned to peak form. His vaunted small-versus-big game had become ineffective; he could not punish the Cavaliers' interior defenders one-on-one and even struggled badly to isolate Love. The Warriors' offense was severely hampered, to the point that Green had to keep hitting threes to keep them alive, and they ultimately lost Game 7. Irving had a two-motion shooting form, and his release was not as quick as Curry's. Wary of Antetokounmpo's long-arm contest, he did not rashly pull up, instead using changes of pace to look for a driving opportunity. On the Warriors' possession, Curry brought the ball across half court and passed to Green in the low post. Using Antetokounmpo's screen, he moved from the top of the arc toward the strong-side sideline. His drive just now had looked easy, but he had actually used all his strength to shoulder Antetokounmpo aside and create room for a layup. If he had to battle like that on every possession, he would never last an entire game. Tristan Thompson switched onto Curry, while Smith picked up Antetokounmpo. Curry isolated Love, crossed over in front of him, then accelerated and easily blew past him for a pull-up mid-range jumper. 15:6, Warriors by 9. Curry passed the ball, then ran to the weak side to space the floor. In the stands at Chase Center, Bay Area fans in bright yellow T-shirts formed a rolling golden sea. "Take Irving out! He can't score and can't defend—what's he even good for?" At courtside, Zhang Yu applauded as he watched Curry hit the three, a gratified smile appearing on his face. Warriors possession. Curry held the ball at the top of the arc while