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

May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

One task accomplished, a larger one looming.

No one thought the Golden State Warriors would make it past the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. In the second round, I think the same experts are more convincing that the magic carpet ride of the Warriors will end abruptly.

The San Antonio Spurs are among the most well-coached and disciplined teams we have seen in recent times. They are the epitome of a throwback squad in every sense the meaning, and it all starts with Gregg Popovich. We all saw how the backups gave Golden State a run for their money late in the season.

Well now, they have something to play for with the battle-tested group of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. The Spurs are those old guys at open gym who get all the run because they understand the game, make the right and simple decision and frustrate you to no end with their ability to execute to perfection.

So, the Warriors have their work cut out for them, but here are some things they will need to do in order to succeed in this series: