NBA Playoffs: Analyzing the Warriors’ Game 6 Victory Over Nuggets

May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In a wild one at Oracle Arena last night, the Warriors were able to knock off the Denver Nuggets, but just barely. They lead by 18 points with 9:12 left in the ballgame, but eventually gave up their lead thanks to some very careless inbound passes. The Nuggets cut the lead to five, and on some occasions, two. Luck, however, was on the Warriors’ side, and they were able to knock of the number three seed in a huge upset.

The Nuggets were very unfortunate because the officiating didn’t exactly go their way, but in a very physical game, neither team backed down. Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green both showed up to play, and the Warriors pulled off the first upset of the first round. Many expected this, but others said if the series would go to Game 7, then the Nuggets would win. Others said the Nuggets could take it four or five.

Charles Barkley is probably regretting that he said the Warriors had “no chance” without David Lee, suggesting that he believed the Warriors would get swept. Fortunately for the Dubs, however, they faced adversity, found some magic, and beat the Nuggets in six games, which many thought could have been do or die for the Dubs. Some very scary moments for the Warriors emerged when they turned the ball over time and time again. They were lucky, however, because they were able to play defense and force some misses.

Let’s go through the statistics:

Stephen Curry had 22 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals. Andrew Bogut had 14 points, 21 rebounds, 4 blocks and 1 steal. Carl Landry had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 11 points. Draymond Green, the 35th pick in the NBA draft had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Who selected Fab Melo over him, the Celtics?

The Warriors started off very cold, and trailed 25-21 at the end of the first quarter. Mark Jackson told them it was a good quarter defensively, as the Nuggets shot close to 35 percent, and Kosta Koufus had hit a garbage 3-pointer. The thing that really killed the Warriors was offensive rebounding. The Nuggets got way too many of those and it often put the Warriors in some tough situations.

Fortunately for them, they were able to get out of it. The fans were also inspiring this night, as the pushed the Warriors to victory. I’m sure each person at that game will lose their voice by tomorrow. It was a great day for the Warriors, who finally made the playoffs.

The last two times they made the postseason, they’ve upset a higher seed.

Bring on the Spurs, they say. From Oracle Arena, the fans are excited, ready for whatever comes to them next. Facing adversity was huge for the Dubs, and they did it almost effortlessly.