Golden State Warriors: 5 Keys To Second Round Series

Apr 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) watches his shot go in against Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring on a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 109-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Making Free Throws

In the first round, the Warriors shot a woeful 69.8 percent from the foul line. They got to the line 26.5 times per game, attempting the sixth most free throws per game of the postseason. Unfortunately for the Dubs, the Grizzlies are a lot better about not sending their opponents to the foul line than the New Orleans Pelicans were.

During the regular season, the Grizz gave opponents only 20.1 free throw attempts per game, the second fewest in the NBA. In the playoffs so far, they’ve limited opponents to 21.6 free throw attempts per game. The Dubs will not only need to find ways to get to the foul line, but they’ll also need to make sure they convert when they do.

Warriors just can't shoot free throws in the playoffs.
Like ever.
— Blue Man Hoop (@BlueManHoop) April 21, 2015

During the regular season, the Warriors weren’t exactly masters at getting to the line, attempting only 20.8 free throws per game (26th in the NBA). But when they did get there, they converted at a 76.8 percent clip. In a (likely) physical series, the Warriors need to take care of business at the foul line.

Next: No. 4

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