Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is familiar with this scenario.
In 2016, he and the Warriors stampeded through the NBA en route to a record 73 wins, with Curry winning his second straight NBA MVP after putting up one of the most memorable individual seasons in league history.
In the NBA Finals, Golden State continued its dominance by taking three of the first four games from the Cleveland Cavaliers. But the narrative that was supposed to result in the Warriors being labeled as the greatest team in NBA history flipped dramatically, as LeBron James and the Cavs completed a historic comeback to win the first title in franchise history.
Now, Curry finds himself on the other side of the coin. This time, it is his team that faces elimination after the Toronto Raptors stunned the Warriors by winning two straight games on Golden State's home floor.
But given Curry's past experience, it is only fitting he exuded confidence on Sunday when asked about the team's mood against such great odds:
“We know we can do it, it’s just a matter of proving it.”
Steph Curry on the challenge the Warriors are facing down 3-1. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/L2mYEV13m0
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 9, 2019
Curry also emphasized the need to stay in the present and not look too far ahead, something James also mentioned prior to Game 5 in 2016:
"Just win one game and take it from there."
Steph Curry on his mindset heading into Game 5. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/0qAGBO98Bc
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 9, 2019
It seems appropriate Curry would reference the 2016 Western Conference Finals, given the current circumstances. In that series, the Warriors had been getting torn to shreds by their current teammate, Kevin Durant, before winning three straight games to advance to the NBA Finals.
Coincidentally, it could be Durant's return to action that may be the biggest determinant in whether or not the Warriors can pull off another miraculous comeback in pursuit of their third consecutive championship.
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