Golden State Warriors: 5 Adjustments For Game 2 vs. Cavaliers
2. Rebounding
Again, the Warriors have very few Achilles heels. But if we had to pick one, it’d be the disadvantage they face on the boards when they go to their patented Lineup of Death.
Kerr didn’t need to unleash that lineup much in Game 1 Thursday night, but taking care of the glass is still an area that could be improved for Game 2. In the series opener, the Dubs were out-rebounded 47-41, giving up an unacceptable 15 offensive rebounds in the process.
A lot of those were in scuffles that didn’t result in baskets for the Cavs, who finished with only 13 second chance points. But it could’ve easily been a lot worse, especially if Cleveland had managed to shoot better than 42.9 percent from around the rim.
Warriors are 27-10 when they lose rebounding battle. 58-4 when they tie or win on the glass. Analysis: they haven't lost many games so far.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) June 3, 2016
After last night’s game, the Dubs moved to 28-10 in games where they lost the rebounding battle, as opposed to an unholy 58-4 in games where they tie or win on the glass. But here in the playoffs, the Dubs are just 7-4 when they’ve lost the rebounding battle, as opposed to 6-1 when they tie or win.
In their 13 wins, the Warriors are +5 on the boards. In their five losses, they’re a -46. As long as the Dubs don’t get completely beasted by Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and LeBron James on the offensive glass, they have a great chance of winning any game in this series.
Next: No. 1