HOUSTON — No one can really explain Stephen Curry’s third-quarter surges. Not Bruce Fraser, the assistant coach and guru who works with Curry daily. Not Draymond Green, who’s been in the NBA crucible with Curry for six years now. Not Brandon Payne, Curry’s personal trainer and architect of his machine-like physique.



There are theories. There are factors they bring up they figure might give insight. But no one can put their finger on it why they happen.



All anyone knows is that they happen. It is a phenomenon they’ve come to expect. Bank on. Monday, in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, the Warriors trailed by as much as 15 and were playing like a team that didn’t deserve to advance. Their only hope was for Curry to pioneer yet another third-quarter surge.



They were out of answers. They were getting outworked. They were embarrassing themselves and in danger of becoming a punchline. They were in desperate need of a...