Keys to the Game: Warriors Must Keep Up With Mavericks
By Eric He
There are some games where teams have an in-built excuse to lose: “We were without our star,” or “we’re just not as talented as them,” or “we’re playing the second game of a back-to-back against a contender.”
For the Warriors, the last excuse certainly applies to Wednesday’s night tilt against the Mavericks at Oracle Arena.
But still, their chances of winning have to be better strong, given their domination at home and their torrid winning pace this season.
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If won’t be easy. Even without Rajon Rondo, the Mavericks are chock full of weapons, from former Warrior Monta Ellis to future Hall-of-Famer Dirk Nowitzki and his frontcourt-mate, defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler.
The matchups tonight will be especially intriguing, with outstanding players pitted against each other at many positions.
Key Matchups
Klay Thompson vs. Monta Ellis: Besides the fact that they are both elite scorers and among the best two-guards in the league, they will be forever linked by the fact that Ellis was traded by the Warriors to essentially allow Thompson to start. Since then, both players have flourished: Thompson has erupted as a star in Golden State while Ellis has found a home in Dallas. As Warriors fans are well-aware, Thompson faces a stiff challenge with shutting down the speed and jump-shot that Ellis possesses, while Ellis will be tasked with defending a bigger, more physical player in Thompson on the other end.
Andrew Bogut vs. Tyson Chandler: Arguably the two best defensive centers in the league, this is as good as matchups can get down low. Bogut has a career average of 14.7 points and 11.3 rebounds against the Mavericks, but he will have a tough time getting those numbers if Chandler is bumping and grinding as well. Offense may not be the main focal point of this matchup, but look for them to battle for rebounds, positioning, and take turns defending the paint.
Draymond Green vs. Dirk Nowitzki: Green is obviously at a big mismatch in terms of size, as Nowitzki can shoot right over him. The Warriors may need to bring a double-team or put a bigger man on Nowitzki if he gets on a roll. Both Green and Nowitzki are mobile power forwards who can shoot from the outside, but Green will need some help defensively.
Keys to the Game
1. Keep up with Dallas
As highly-touted as the Warriors’ offensive pace is, the Mavericks are right there with them, second only to the Warriors in points per game (106.8). In fact, they have a higher offensive efficiency rating than the Warriors, scoring 110.1 points per possession to the Warriors’ 109.6. Looking at their offensive weapons, these teams are evenly matched; the Warriors need to keep up with the Mavericks, which may be tough on the back-end of a back-to-back.
2. Prove yourself
Speaking of which, the Warriors still have their fair share of doubters out there (*ahem* Charles Barkley). Winning the back-end of a back-to-back against a contender like Dallas on national television could sway some minds.
3. Contain Dirk
Even advancing toward retirement, Nowitzki is still a force in the league. He averaged 22.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in four games against the Warriors last season, and when he is feeling it, he is almost un-guardable with his ability to shoot over defenders with ease.