Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Keys For Game 6 vs. Warriors

Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) dunks the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

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June 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) moves to the basket against Golden State Warriors during the second half in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Win The Battle Of The Boards

One of the keys to knocking off the Warriors it to beat them on the glass. In Cleveland’s two wins, they out-rebounded Golden State by a 93-75 margin.

In their two losses, the Warriors held a 130-121 edge on the on the boards. The Cavaliers have to win this battle for two reasons.

First, controlling the boards on the offensive end creates second-chance scoring opportunities, something the Cavaliers will need against a great Warriors squad. On the other end of the court, winning the battle of the boards helps limits the possessions of the top three-point shooting team in the league.

This is where Tristan Thompson comes into play.

His defensive rebounding percentage is 26.7 in the Cavaliers’ two victories. In contrast, that percentage plummeted to 13.1 percent in the three losses.

While winning the rebounding battle doesn’t necessarily guarantee a victory for the home team, it does increase their chances of winning another do-or-die game.

Next: No. 4

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