The Warriors dynasty was halted in 2019 after losing to the Toronto Raptors. The following year, amid a major shakeup in their roster, they hit rock bottom and had the worst record in the league.
This season, Curry has tried to keep things afloat for the Warriors (15-13 record) even as backcourt buddy Klay Thompson rehabs from his Achilles injury. However, the team still has a void in the big man position with James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, and Marquese Chriss all dealing with injuries.
Despite the key absences and early losses, Curry has been on an MVP-caliber season. He is fresh off a 36-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Plus, Draymond Green has been a passing savant, recording a career-tying 16 assists versus the Cavs.
"We're gaining confidence and have a good opportunity, honestly, coming up,” Curry said, also mentioning that they have to prove that they can beat strong teams. "A good Miami team coming in. Go on the road, some tough Eastern Conference opponents. That's the challenge ahead."
Meanwhile, the Heat (11-16) have fallen through hard times this season after going to the Finals last October. They were one of the teams severely affected by COVID-19 protocols and injuries. The team is still missing Goran Dragic (ankle) and Avery Bradley (calf). They also lost Meyers Leonard for the rest of the season following a surgery on his shoulder.
But the crew of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler, are all healthy and hoping to turn a corner soon. They all seemed to thrive under pressure, much like they did in last year’s playoff run. After winning in Houston, they fell back against the Utah Jazz and LA Clippers. The Heat are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
"We gotta take pride in defense. Defense wins games. If we would have played Miami Heat culture defense (against the Clippers), we would have won,” said Adebayo.
The Heat defense will obviously look to contain Curry who is averaging 30.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. The former two-time MVP is also shooting the lights out, hovering in another 50/40/90 season, with a 49.9 percent clip from the field, 43.6 from downtown, and 93.3 from the line.
Curry and the Warriors face Buttler and the Heat, 11:00 AM on NBA League Pass.
