The Golden State Warriors have been the team to beat in NBA this season, but fatigue seems to have come in to their play, losing two out of their last three matches. With Warriors set to take on San Antonio Spurs in the massive encounter at Oracle Arena Thursday, the home team needs to deliver in front of their home fans.
Though the Warriors might not play for records, they have a huge chance to break Chicago Bulls' record of 72 wins in one regular season. But the task is by no means an easy one; the Warriors have to win all their remaining four matches on a trot.
The home crowd, throughout the season, have always supported the team to the hilt, and are expected to support the team even more after their recent dip in results. With players such as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the floor for Warriors, they need no incentive to play well. They are their star players, and if the duo gets their game going, no team in the NBA can silence them.
Coach Steve Kerr had seen this coming, and will be expecting his team to bounce back against a tough opposition in the form of Spurs.
''This is to be expected. Every team goes through it. It's just probably surprising for people out there and maybe even our own guys because this season has maybe come too easy for us.'' AP quoted Kerr as saying.
Spurs, on the contrary, come into this game, with their heads held high, winning four matches on a trot. They are gunning for their fifth straight victory. The Spurs have been brilliant in the competition, winning 65 matches and losing 12 only. A win against the Warriors will only help their team gather immense confidence, which will give them huge boost ahead of the playoffs, where Spurs are a serious contender.
However, their star player Kawhi Leonard just wants to use this game to help them become a better team in the season.
'I don't think about it like that, playoffs are a different game,'' Kawhi Leonard said.
''We don't even know if we will see each other in the playoffs so we will just go out and try to make our team better going into the playoffs.''
With players such as Curry and Thomspon for Warriors and Leonard and Duncan for the Spurs, the battle between the two teams is going to be huge Thursday.
Where to watch live
Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs live NBA game is scheduled foris scheduled for 10:30 pm ET (9 am IST, 11:30 am Philippines) start with live TV coverage in India on Sony Six while the live streaming is available on Sonyliv.
US viewers can watch the Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs live NBA gamein the US on TNT.
UK viewers can watch the Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs live NBA gamein the US on BT Sport with live streaming on Watch BT Sport.
Viewers in Philippinescan watch the game live on ABS-CBN Sports + Action.
