Golden State Warriors: Keys to a 2nd Round Victory
By Jamie Faue
Key #3: Push The Tempo, Play Our Game
Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard
Eric Gordon(10) during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzles, are a team that likes to get down the court and get settled into their defensive and offensive setups. The Warriors on the other hand, are team that likes to play up and down. It was when the Blazers would push the tempo of the game and run when they had the most success against a stout Memphis team. Another, aspect that was successful for Portland were plays in transition.
Luckily, the Warriors are experts at the run game and playing in transition. The Warriors’ style of play is the Grizzle’s worst nightmare. This is but one reason Golden State should not be considered the underdog in this series. Their fast paced playing style is exactly the type of system that can beat teams like Memphis.
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Also, the more the Warriors run, the more tired Randolph and Gasol will get, forcing them to be on the bench more. Without Randolph and Gasol, the Warriors can attack the rim more often, and not have to rely as heavily on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to hit clutch shots.
What will be most important is executing their transition plays. If the Warriors can keep the game to their speed, the Grizzles tend to be sluggish in transition. It will give the Warriors will have a lot of space to create plays. However, the Warriors already play so well in transition that the lack of defense from Memphis will not make much of a difference. In transition, the Warriors are capable of all play types and can be lethal.
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