Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 3 vs. Blazers

May 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles past Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 3, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) shoots over Golden State Warriors center Festus Ezeli (31) during the second half in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 110-99. Mandatory Credit: Ezra Shaw-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

5. More Ezeli, Please

In Game 1 of this series, Festus Ezeli was a healthy scratch, with Anderson Varejao earning minutes off the bench first. In Game 2, Ezeli was the difference-maker in the comeback, tallying eight points, six rebounds and one block in a critical 13-minute stretch that saw the Warriors turn an 11-point deficit into an eventual 11-point win.

In Game 3? Ezeli was once again head-scratchingly excluded from the rotation, finishing with one point and two rebounds in only six minutes of action…despite Andrew Bogut picking up his fourth and fifth fouls 20 seconds into the third quarter.

To be fair, head coach Steve Kerr had to be selective with his bench since the Dubs were trailing by 12 going into the second half. But Ezeli was unstoppable for that short burst in Game 2, and with the Warriors searching for answers again in Game 3, it was a bit confounding Kerr didn’t give him another go.

Next: No. 4

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