2013 NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets Preview

Sixth Man – Jarrett Jack vs. Corey Brewer

Jack is a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate, averaging 12.9 points and 5.6 assists in 29.7 minutes. He does come off of the bench, which can be deceiving. But on the same note, he averages 10.1 fourth quarter minutes per game, which leads the Warriors.

April 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) dribbles the ball against San Antonio Spurs point guard Patty Mills (8) and power forward Matt Bonner (15) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Brewer isn’t quite on Jack’s level. He averaged 12.1 points in 24.4 minutes off the bench this year, but picked his game up towards the end of the season, averaging 15.1 points in April. Obviously, Gallinari’s injury has meant more minutes for Brewer, and he’s made the most of those extra minutes.

It’t tough to give Denver the edge in this specific matchup because the Warriors count on Jack to come off the bench and produce. Whether that’s via assists or points, his production factors into the Warriors’ chances of winning. Brewer’s production is great, yes, but Denver doesn’t necessarily live and die by him.

Advantage Golden State