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Matchups and Keys: Warriors Face First Away Challenge vs Pelicans

By Greg Chin

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The Golden State Warriors will play their first away game of the 2014-15 postseason when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in New Orleans. The Warriors hold a 2-0 series lead over the Pelicans after winning the first two games of the series. However, as the analysts and pundits like to say, “The series doesn’t truly start until the home team loses a game”.

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In the first two games, the Pelicans have shown snippets of dominance over the Warriors. Led by Anthony Davis, the Pelicans have proven to be a tough matchup for the Warriors. Davis, in particular, is a handful for the Warriors to deal with.

If the Warriors are able to close out tonight’s game, it is highly unlikely that the Pelicans will be able to come back from a 3-0 series deficit.

Keys to the Game

  1. A Fast Start

The New Orleans’ crowd will be absolutely rocking tonight, especially since this is the Pelicans’ first postseason since 2011. They haven’t had much success since Chris Paul left the franchise, and thei fans’ reaction after clinching a playoff spot on the final game day showed just how much they are invested in this team. If the Warriors are able to get off to a good start, they might just be able to subdue the rabid home crowd.

  1. Bench Production

The Warriors’ bench has been a bit of a letdown in their previous two games. Outside of Andre Iguodala and Leandro Barbosa, the Warriors haven’t been able to rely on anyone on the bench. The Warriors’ bench has more talent than the Pelicans, and the Warriors need to use that to their advantage. Time for Marreese Speights, Festus Ezeli, and Shaun Livingston to step up.

Key Matchups

  1. Draymond Green vs Anthony Davis

Round three of the battle between the two might just be better than the first two we’ve already been treated to. Draymond Green was snubbed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, and we might just see a revenge game from Green himself. Davis will continue to be the Pelicans’ most important player, and limiting his influence will be key.

  1. Steve Kerr vs Monty Williams

By now, the two teams will have known each other’s teams really well. Both coaches have made significant changes to their lineups, and have adapted to the changing situations. The playoffs are where the coaches prove how good they are with the tactics, so it will be interesting to see how Kerr continues to find ways to deal with the threat of Anthony Davis.

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