Golden State Warriors: 5 Keys To Winning Crucial Game 3

3. Take Better Care Of The Ball

Both of these teams like to play at a break-neck pace. Both of these teams have superstars who turn the ball over a bit too much as primary playmakers. And both of these teams love to turn turnovers into fast break opportunities. It’s pretty obvious, then, that whichever team takes better care of the ball will have a better chance of pulling out Game 3 in Houston.

In Game 1, the Dubs did a pretty good job on this front, committing only 12 turnovers that led to 19 Rockets points. They turned Houston over 16 times and scored 20 points off of those turnovers. Both teams scored 28 fast break points.

In Game 2, however, the Warriors were a bit sloppier with the ball. They coughed it up 16 times, leading to 24 points for Houston. The Rockets only committed 10 turnovers leading to 14 Warriors points. The Dubs outscored the Rockets 20-11 in fast break points, but that advantage was negated by Houston’s advantage in points off turnovers.

Sometimes the Warriors are trying so hard to make the great play that they miss the simple one. Sometimes they’re a bit too extravagant with their passing and commit unforced turnovers. On the road, that trend will need to be handled a bit better.

Next: No. 2