Golden State Warriors: 5 Adjustments For NBA Finals Game 3
3. Get Some Offense Out Of The Frontcourt
Other than the threat he poses on the offensive glass, Tristan Thompson has been virtually non-existent on the offensive end for the Cavaliers. Even so, with Timofey Mozgov averaging 16.5 points and nine rebounds per game in this Finals series, his production alone has outmatched that of Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut combined on the offensive end.
Look, I get it. Green and Bogut’s value is unquestionable on the defensive end. But in addition to being the league’s top-rated defense, the Warriors were also its second-best offense. Is it wrong to wonder where the hell this frontcourt duo’s offense has been so far in this series?
Draymond Green was excellent on defense. But they need more from him on offense. I think he's the X-factor on that end
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) June 8, 2015
Through the first two games, Green might be averaging more screams to incite the crowd per game than he is points (11 per game) or rebounds (eight per game). He had four blocks and five steals last night, so it’s hard to criticize him too much, but he’s shooting just 6-for-20 from the field in the Finals (30 percent) and is 0-for-4 from downtown.
Remember when Green had that monster Game 7 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round last year? That seems like a distant memory right now, but for the Dubs to establish themselves as the better team, they’ll need Green to find his shot again (and maybe getting a foul call when he attacks the basket every now and then would help too).
As for Bogut, offense isn’t really his thing, but you’ve got to think he can do better than 3.0 points per game on 2-of-6 shooting. Six shots in two games? I know he’s the last priority on offense whenever he’s on the floor, but breaking down Cleveland’s defense and finding him for alley-oops every now and then might not be a bad idea.
Next: No. 2