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Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From Game 2 vs. Thunder

By Gerald Bourguet

May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Anderson Varejao (18) during the second half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rebounding Remains A Key Factor

Speaking of frontcourt help, the Warriors’ collective commitment to cleaning up the boards against the NBA’s top rebounding team was remarkable in Game 2.

Of course, we shouldn’t be totally surprised by this. In the first half of Game 1, the Dubs actually out-rebounded OKC by three and held the Thunder to just two offensive boards. It was the second half where everything fell apart, with OKC being a +11 on the glass and hauling in eight offensive boards.

In Game 2, the Warriors were able to maintain their focus and effort with the rebounding battle for the full 48 minutes. Golden State out-rebounded OKC by nine in the game and limited the Thunder to seven offensive boards. Even better, the Warriors collected 15 offensive rebounds of their own.

It’s tough to expect that trend to continue, but when the Warriors are able to crash the offensive glass, they’re one of the deadliest second chance scoring teams in the league.

The Warriors may not enjoy the 15-5 advantage in second chance points again like they had in Game 2, but if they can take care of the defensive glass, they’ll take away one of the Thunder’s main attack points.

Next: No. 2

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