Golden State Warriors: 5 Adjustments For Game 3

Despite being clear-cut title favorites, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a precarious position in the Western Conference semifinals. Thanks to Mike Conley‘s inspiring return and an uncharacteristic performance from the Dubs in Game 2, Golden State lost just their third game at Oracle Arena all season.

Heading to FedEx Forum with the series tied 1-1, the Warriors need at least one win on the road to go back to being the overwhelming title contenders they were believed to be before Game 2.

With their backs against the wall for the first time in these playoffs, how will the league’s best regular season team respond?

Game 2 was a disheartening performance, but for those who have been watching the Dubs play all season long, it really just felt like another game they could’ve won if they had bothered to show up.

How the Warriors play in Game 3 will tell us a lot about this team and this series. Are they still the team to beat in the West, or can they be bullied by this gritty Memphis Grizzlies squad? Could this series still end in a gentleman’s sweep, or are we in for a more competitive battle? Here’s a look at the five keys to a bounce-back performance in Game 3.

Honorable Mention: Push The Tempo

For the league’s top-scoring fast break team, it’s no shock the Warriors need to push the tempo to find success in the postseason. They’ve mostly done a good job in their first five playoff games, but in Game 2, they were actually outscored in transition 21-19 by the Grizz.

Memphis likes to control tempo and play a half-court game, so getting outscored in transition by a team like that is simply unacceptable.

Next: No. 5