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Golden State Warriors: 5 Areas To Improve In Second Round

By Gerald Bourguet

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) instructs forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the third 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
April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) instructs forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the third 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 /
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April 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa (19) celebrates after making a basket while being fouled against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Improved Bench Play

The Warriors ended the series in four games, which means they’ll get some extra lounge time as the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers continue to duke it out. That’s great news, because Kerr has had to ride Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green into the ground so far in these playoffs.

The reason? Golden State’s bench hasn’t made much of a difference when they’ve been on the floor. Rotations shorten up in the playoffs, but the Warriors’ reserves have averaged the fourth fewest minutes per game (13.6) and third fewest points per game (19.6) among all playoff teams so far, per NBA.com.

The Pelicans’ second unit averaged 31.5 points in 17.0 minutes per game during that first round series. Golden State’s reserves were outscored by 2.5 points per game and 8.9 points per 100 possessions. That’s not a good sign for this team’s championship hopes.

In the playoffs, you need players to be ready to step up in the event of foul trouble, injuries and just in general. Leandro Barbosa and company came to life in Game 2, but other than that, they were pretty pedestrian. Even in limited minutes, that needs to change moving forward.

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