The Golden State Warriors may be too dominant of an example to channel the idiom “Like a wounded rat,” but the defending champions are using that mindset to fuel their Game 3 performance against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
Several Warriors players told ESPN's Chris Haynes that the team is most dangerous when they are in a figurative desperation mode. Draymond Green cites that they didn't have the same mentality with Game 2 as they did in Game 1, and paid for it.
“I think we're at our best when we feel threatened. Game 1, we felt threatened, we came out with a sense of urgency. Game 2, we didn't feel as threatened, and the sense of urgency wasn't there. I think you're allowed one of those a series. We've had our one, and now it's time to lock in for the rest of the series.”
Klay Thompson agreed with Green and added that the Warriors are firing on all cylinders when they are being backed in a corner, warning that his poor play last game was a fluke.
“When we have our backs against the wall — I don't think they're against the wall right now, but when we're threatened … we just play with a great urgency and hustle,” he said. “You add in our shooting and our talent, that's a great combination right there.”
“I'll be better tomorrow. I guarantee it.”
It's also worth noting that they are undefeated in Oakland during the postseason – a run that actually stretches back to 2016 before Kevin Durant came in. So by all accounts, the team – whose mantra is “Playing by force” – could very well likely storm out of the gates on this one.
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