Golden State Warriors: 3 keys for Game 3 of 2019 NBA Finals

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After struggling to find an offensive rhythm in the series opener (16 turnovers), the Golden State Warriors were able to find their trademark ball movement play style that has made them one of the hardest teams to guard in NBA history.

More importantly, everyone was doing it.

DeMarcus Cousins, after what can only be described as a pitiful NBA Finals debut, reminded the NBA world why he was considered a franchise cornerstone not so long ago.

Seemingly shaking off some of his offensive rust, DeMarcus Cousins tapped into his point-center skill-set and finished the game with six pivotal assists, mainly coming from passes with his back to the basket to an open cutter.

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Cousins’ generosity on offense seemed to rub off on the rest of the team, particularly throughout the second half. Boogie led the way with five dimes in the second half, to go with four apiece from Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, fire-starting the high-octane offense.

The rest of the Warriors’ starters were able to contribute, giving the team an 100 percent assist rate in their second half surge, with 22 baskets coming on 22 assists.

Not only were the Warriors moving the ball, but the ball movement also seemed to tire out the Toronto Raptors, relying on their box-and-one defense too heavily and putting a lot of responsibility on the Raptors’ backcourt.

With the Warriors starting to get their groove and proverbial point center DeMarcus Cousins buying into the selfless system, it’s hard not to imagine the Warriors playing with the same fluidity in Game 3.