The Warriors will face a challenge when they play the Rockets in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals Friday because they won't have Kevin Durant on the court.
But Golden State stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson aren't too concerned about Durant's absence as he recovers from a strained calf. Both players expressed confidence in taking on a bigger role, but also acknowledged the playoffs will be more challenging.
“I’ll just play my game. I didn’t wake up today with extra weight on my shoulders or anything,” Curry said, per The Mercury News. “I feel like that every single day. I just play basketball and have fun doing it.
“No matter what the situations is, it’s coming in with the right mindset,” Curry said. “I have to play well and be aggressive. I’d like to shoot the ball better. But my confidence stays the same. I’ll just play my game.”
Steph Curry and to what extent he puts the burden on himself without KD pic.twitter.com/2tohPbReTq
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 10, 2019
Thompson, on the other hand, said it will be hard to fill Durant's role on the defensive side, but if the Warriors can rotate as a team and communicate, he believes Golden State can walk away with a win.
“We have to play with great passion and great heart,” Thompson said. “It obviously won’t be as smooth without Kevin out there. But if we play with those things listed, we’ll give ourselves a chance to win. It won’t be pretty. But it’s the playoffs. I’ll take any chance you can get it.”
Klay to adjusting to life without KD pic.twitter.com/aToxqKHjCr
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 10, 2019
Entering Friday's game, the Warriors have a slight edge as they lead the series, 3-2. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center.