Advantages the Golden State Warriors Have in the Playoffs

Heading into the postseason, it’s very clear that the Warriors have some advantages that cannot be overlooked. It doesn’t matter if they’re going to play Denver or not. It’s not only the home crowd that will be the difference. It’ll be that the Warriors have some tricks up their sleeves that cannot be overlooked, unless it’s by another team.

The Warriors have one of the brightest futures in the NBA, and with another bench addition of Brandon Rush, things are only going to get better and better. Next year, they could secure home-court advantage in the playoffs, or maybe even clinch earlier on. Whatever it may be, the Warriors are looking to ride this playoff energy into the next season, like most lower-seeds are able to do.

Advantages that they have include..

March 24, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; A young Golden State Warriors fan watches the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Oracle Arena. Golden State won 111-108. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. Home Crowd:

Based on the 2007 playoffs, I think that it’s safe to assume that the Warriors are going to have the best home crowd heading into the playoffs. In this type of atmosphere, Oracle is alive and in the game. Doesn’t really matter if the other team has made an incredible 35-0 run, the crowd will always be in the game.

With an advantage like this, it’s almost impossible to lose at home, especially if other teams are intimidated by a loud crowd, which will push their players into making more and more shots, until they go on a huge run.

2. Jarrett Jack:

Jarrett Jack is like no other. Even though his scoring average isn’t at its highest, he is having the best season of his career, and has found a good role in Golden State.

Being a bench player doesn’t matter to him because most teams don’t have a bench player as their main guy down the stretch. Few others can take over games as quickly as Jack can, making jump-shots in somebody’s face.

He gives the Warriors a definite advantage. Just when you think your done seeing Harrison Barnes dunking on you, Jarrett Jack comes in and hits a jumper in your face. At least it’s a change-up, right?

3. Harrison Barnes:

Mar 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives in against the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 92-63. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

There’s only one thing that the Warriors are going to need Barnes to do: be a weapon. In the playoffs, he will need to step up his game, drive to the basket, send down every dunk attempt possible, and be on his absolute game.

If he has a one-on-one matchup, Barnes is hard to stop, and he’s much better than he realizes. In the playoffs, I expect him to score about 15-16 points per game (PPG). Klay Thompson surely won’t be consistent the whole way through, so Barnes will need to step up.