Golden State Warriors: 5 Keys to Beating the San Antonio Spurs

Penetration 

You know, that painted area. The Warriors finished third to last in shots within five feet during the regular season. Conversely, they were the league leaders in shooting percentage beyond 20 feet, which is something the NBA is aware of watching Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry set the record for three-pointers in a season by teammates.

May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) high fives shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) after the play against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

But, jumpshots and three-pointers, when not falling, will get you behind in games quickly against efficient teams like the Spurs, who mix up their offense to get shots from everywhere.

For the Warriors, the adjustment to make an effort to get to the bucket has been a more recent trend with the small lineups, and it must continue.  hey must push the envelope and force the officials to call fouls at the rim.  There should not be a huge free throw disparity in the series, as both teams averaged about 21 attempts during the regular season. But because of the Warriors’ deficiencies in the half court, they must try to get to the bucket more often in an attempt to manufacture an advantage with easy buckets or trips to the free throw line.