Golden State Warriors: 5 Lessons From Game 1 vs. Rockets

Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 1 vs. Rockets

April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) grabs a rebound against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 104-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Ezeli Is A Luxury

The Warriors may be known for their small-ball prowess, but having a shot-blocking, rim protecting center like Andrew Bogut is a big reason the Dubs boast a top-five defense. But when Golden State’s big Aussie gets in foul trouble, as he did in Game 1 Saturday, having a starting-caliber backup like Festus Ezeli is a quite a luxury for the defending champs.

When Bogut picked up his third and fourth fouls, Steve Kerr turned to the recently on-the-mend Ezeli, who came in and had an immediate impact. Finishing the game with eight points, six rebounds and one block on 4-of-5 shooting, Ezeli gave the Dubs 11 extremely productive minutes off the bench.

He’s a solid shot-blocker, a regular threat for alley-oops on offense and is quick enough to add even more versatility to Golden State’s defense. People forget this, but when Bogut was out early in the season, Ezeli averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 13 starts.

Those aren’t All-Star numbers by any means, but seeing the third-year backup return from injury and be so productive off the pine is a great sign for Golden State’s depth, especially when Bogut is in foul trouble or the Dubs need a quicker, more mobile big like they did in last year’s NBA Finals.

Next: No. 4