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5 (more) adjustments the Warriors could make

By Carlos Murillo

May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with center Festus Ezeli (31) against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with center Festus Ezeli (31) against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Start Andre Iguodala

Warriors
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) reacts after making a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Warriors should start Andre Iguodala in place of Harrison Barnes.

Andre Iguodala is better than Harrison Barnes. This isn’t a secret.

Barnes has actually been one of the few productive Warriors, especially in the blowout losses. But Iguodala gives them a different dimension. He is a reliable ball handler alongside Curry and Thompson that can find them in the half court and in transition.

The Thunder have essentially neutralized Green by putting Durant on him. The length and quickness have bothered the Warriors’ All-Star all series long. This matchup has left Serge Ibaka to guard Barnes. This seems like a mismatch that Golden State could continue to go to, but Barnes doesn’t have the ability to consistently beat someone off the dribble. Iguodala throws a wrench at OKC’s defensive cogs.

Iguodala gives the Warriors their best chance on both ends. Starting him has generally meant good things for Golden Sate. Every game has seen Durant get off to a good start and by the time Iguodala comes in to check him, it’s too late. Perhaps Kerr can nip that in the bud by starting him.

Next: Defensive Assignments

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