Golden State Warriors: Keys to a 2nd Round Victory
By Jamie Faue
Key #4: Reduce Turnovers!
April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton (left) and head coach
Steve Kerr
(right) react during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Achilles heel for the Warriors this season has been turnovers. While their record of 67-15 does not reflect that some games were lost due to careless turnovers and bad plays. But, they have happened. And that cannot happen in the playoffs. The Grizzles did not completely dominate off turnovers against the Trail Blazers, but did get 47 points off of 58 total turnovers committed by Portland.
Unlike the New Orleans Pelicans, the Grizzles have much more playoff experience and know how to take advantage of careless mistakes made by the other team. If the Warriors can play cleanly, and not play for the fancy highlight reel shot, they will likely turn the ball over a lot less. The Warriors’ biggest problem has been trying to wow the crowd. And while that is fun and exciting when executed properly, it also hurts the team because the passes, and dribble plays sometimes get out of control.
No matter how the Warriors approach this series, it will not be as easily won as their first round series was. Memphis is a lot more physical and experienced than New Orleans. Even though the Warriors will most likely have the upper hand, with their up and down play style, it will still be a test for the Warrior defense. The Warriors can and will win this series, but it will not be a sweep.
What do you think will happen? Does it go a full seven games? If not how many games will it take for the Warriors to move on to the Western Conference Finals?