Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 3 vs. Cavaliers

By Simon Smith | Jun 5, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Kevin Durant #35 against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Dictate the tempo on the road

Over the course of the postseason, the Warriors have averaged a pace of 99.27, ranking eighth among all playoff teams. In contrast, the Cavaliers have recorded a pace of 93.91, which ranks 15th overall.

Teams to take a 2-0 series lead in the #NBAFinals have a 29-4 record.

The last team to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the Finals? The 2016 Cavaliers.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 4, 2018

With the Cavaliers’ preference to isolate LeBron James for long stretches and take up significant amounts of time on the shot clock, it’s imperative that the Warriors don’t fall into the trap of playing at Cleveland’s pace on the road.

pic.twitter.com/39jXsPImMs
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 4, 2018

Despite eventually winning Game 1, the Warriors’ Pace return of 92.59 was their lowest in the postseason since Game 4 of their opening round series against the San Antonio Spurs. Not surprisingly, this was the only game the Dubs dropped to the Spurs.

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With the talent at their disposal, and the ease at which they can make their offense flow, the Warriors are going to put themselves in the best position to win if they can control the tempo of the game and thus put their greatest strengths to use.

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