Golden State Warriors preparing for 'hardest game' after failing to close out previous three series in first attempt

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The Golden State Warriors are one win away from their first NBA title in 40 years.

For the sixth time in the past eight years, the Warriors are playing in the NBA Finals and there is a dose of cautious optimism in the locker room. The Warriors made it clear that there is no celebration yet.

Klay Thompson said to think about things that don't exist yet.

The Warriors have struggled in closeout games this season, failing to wrap up each series they have played with their first chance.

The stakes on the other side of the Celtics game make it harder for them.

"Clinching is the most difficult game to play," Iguodala said.

Steve Kerr doesn't see a common thread in Golden State's recent games.

Maybe it's more about their opponent's instincts. Jokic said before the fourth game that he didn't think his team deserved to be swept. The Nuggets won the game. The Warriors were dominated by Memphis in the second round. The Mavericks were looking to avoid a sweep in the conference finals.

The Warriors trailed by double digits at the half after failing to close out three times. The first quarter was close, but the second quarter was problematic against Memphis and Dallas.

The perimeter has been a problem for Golden State. In the three losses, the Warriors' opponents have shot over 50 percent from the 3-point line. Boston has hit more 3-pointers in the playoffs this year than any other team in a single year.

The Celtics lost Games 4 and 5 for the first time since March when they lost to the Raptors and Heat. They had not lost back-to-back games since January.

The Celtics are going to play with desperation. It will take the most effort we've had to give for us to match that.

Stephen Curry said when the Warriors closed out their series against Denver that Golden State might have forgotten how hard it is to finish a series. The trend continued in the conference finals. The Warriors rely on their experience in the playoffs in order to win titles.

Curry said that he understood what the nerves were like. We understand the specifics of how we need to approach the game from a physical perspective, our game plan adjustments from Game 5 to Game 6, understanding what the building is going to feel like, being prepared for it.

Heading into the game, Curry will remind himself and his teammates of that. Staying locked in on what's happening in front of you is what the Warriors have preached all season.

Curry said that once you get out there you just have to be in the moment. Don't worry about the consequences of a win or a loss, you have to be present. 48 minutes is the only time you have to do anything. It's going to be the hardest game you'll ever play in your career if you can trick your mind into being in the moment.