Golden State Warriors Mailbag: X-Factor, Grizzlies, Rockets, Spurs
Jan 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) drives to the basket during the third quarter as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
It would be more ideal for the Warriors to face the Houston Rockets in the second round than the Memphis Grizzlies. Even though the Warriors built up a 30-point lead in their win against the Grizzlies on Monday night, the Grizzlies are still one of the biggest threats to the Warriors’ potential deep playoff run.
The Grizzlies have the complete opposite style of play than how the Warriors play. The Grizzlies like to pound the ball to their bigs on the post, they are physical, and they like to play with a slow pace. When the Warriors get off to an early lead and force the Grizzlies to play their up-tempo style of play, then the Warriors can win. However, this task is easier said than done, especially in a playoff atmosphere and on the road.
The Rockets, on the other hand, play with a somewhat similar style to the Warriors. The Rockets love shooting threes and can sometimes even become too dependent on them. The Warriors can more easily beat this style of play, and they have had a significant amount of success against the Rockets this season.
In their four games against the Rockets this year, the Warriors have gone 4-0 and have looked pretty superior and dominant in all four games. The Warriors won the first matchup in Houston by a final score of 98-87, they won the next one at home 105-93, they won the third one back in Houston 131-106, and they won the final game at Oracle Arena 126-113.
James Harden is a superstar and is one of the best players in the NBA. He is an MVP candidate, and he’s a significant reason why the Rockets have had the success that they’ve had this season. The Grizzlies have several high-quality players, but they don’t possess a superstar like Harden.
Regardless, the Warriors have proven they can beat the Rockets, at home and on the road, and in numerous ways. They would be a more ideal second round matchup than the Grizzlies would be.
Next: Potential Playoff Matchup with Spurs