Golden State Warriors: 5 Keys To Game 6 vs. Thunder
5. Get Off The A Fast Start
The Warriors took care of business in Game 5, sure, but it wasn’t exactly a thorough performance from the defending champs. If that game had been played on a neutral court, OKC might have already punched its ticket to the NBA Finals.
Bearing that in mind, it’s easy to wonder if the Dubs can compete in a hostile environment where they’ve been absolutely dominated the last two times.
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In Game 5, the Thunder were clearly rattled by the desperation of Oracle Arena in the first quarter, starting the game 4-for-21 from the field. In a more comfortable arena where their home fans smell blood in the water, you can be guaranteed OKC will come out fired up to start Game 6.
But if the Warriors can jump on them first and send a worried tremor through the crowd, they’ll prevent the Thunder from blowing the game open early. Momentum is very much up for grabs right now, and whichever team seizes it early in Game 6 may win the game…and possibly even the series.
If the Dubs can build a quick lead in Game 6 and avoid falling into the same second quarter pitfall they did in Games 3 and 4, they’ll have a much better chance of winning this brutally tough road game.
Next: No. 4