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

Don’t Show Inexperience 

Not that they have to this point in the playoffs.  But the contributions from Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli have been huge.

Apr 26, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left), center Festus Ezeli (top center), forward Brandon Rush (center) and and guard Jarrett Jack (right) react to a three point basket made by guard Stephen Curry (not pictured) against the Denver Nuggets in the second quarter during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Green carried the Dubs with his energy in Game 6 and Barnes’ all-around play, exhibiting the pedigree of a potential star in stretches, have been the pleasant surprises of the playoffs. But the Spurs tend to make you look like rookies with their subtle chippiness and veteran savvy of exploiting weaknesses at every turn.

The rooks must play smart and not get taken out of playing their game. Barnes may have advantages with his size in this series, and he must display that stone cold assassin persona he had in the first round.

Green must continue to be steady. He was the difference in Game 6 and must carry his new found shooting stroke into the second round. The Spurs will likely force the ball out of the Warriors’ shooters hands with double teams, leaving Green open to make plays, which he is fully capable of doing. Bu  shedding that rookie label is imperative for this series, and to their credit, they have so far in these playoffs.

End the Streak In San Antonio 

29 straight losses. You must at least one win in San Antonio to win the series.  Enough said.