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

Bogut Being Bogut

May 8, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili (20) battles for a rebound with Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) during the first half in game two of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the AT

We can finally stop pondering the what-ifs of the Monta Ellis trade. Even though he plays somewhat limited minutes, scores infrequently and moves like he’s been chopped and screwed, Andrew Bogut leads the league in rebounding for the postseason and has given the Warriors some much needed defense in the lane.

With Bogut on the floor, the Spurs have shot a miserable 41.9 percent from the restricted area and 35 percent from the paint during the playoffs, according to NBA.com. When he sits, those percentages increase 62.1 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

Bogut’s ability to eliminate easy baskets forces the Spurs to rely on a greater number of mid-range shots on a per game basis (they average 10 per game when he plays, only one when he sits). Even with Parker’s efficiency from outside the paint, the Warriors will be more than willing to let San Antonio rely on long jumpers.

Keeping Bogut healthy and out of foul trouble, will be crucial if the Warriors want to pick up a home win in Game 3.