Heat’s on the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference playoffs, but they’re feeling the heat.

Pressure is all about expectations, and just about everyone expects the Warriors to put the Mavericks away tonight. Up until now, there's been little pressure on the 42-40 Warriors. They could relax; they weren’t supposed to win. Heck, they even qualified for a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season.

What did THEY have to lose?

The Mavericks (67-15) strutted into the playoffs as the NBA’s best team after posting one of the best records in league history. Now, they’re underdogs and they’ll take great pleasure tonight in watching the Warriors sweat.

In Dallas.

Before 20,000 not-so-friendly faces.

In a game the Warriors HAVE to win.

“We’re going to go out and approach this game like it’s Game 7, like they’re up 3-1, because we need it more than they do,” said Warriors forward Stephen Jackson.

He’s right. They NEED tonight’s game.

If Golden State loses, they’ll play in an even bigger game in Oakland on Thursday night. A loss Thursday would mean a return to Dallas for Game 7 on Saturday.

Think the Warriors want that?

Expect the more relaxed Mavericks to take it to the Warriors tonight.

I picked the Mavericks to win the series. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.