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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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Warriors
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) defends during the first quarter in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Warriors need to start selling calls to get to the line.

The free throw disparity has been huge this series.

Conspiracy theories aside, the Thunder are driving to the hole and drawing contact. They’re making the referees blow their whistle. Westbrook and Durant are living at the line. This gets them going while simultaneously keeping the Warriors from getting into a rhythm.

The Thunder are being just as physical with the Warriors but they aren’t getting calls. Draymond Green tried to flail and sell a foul and he almost got suspended. He called out Westbrook for being part of the group of players that likes to act to get whistles. The Thunder point guard denied it, of course, saying he doest know how to flop, but Twitter came to the rescue. Timelines filled up with vines of Westbrook flopping throughout the season, including kicking his legs out on three-point attempts.

Steph Curry is getting held every single time.

The Thunder are not allowing Curry to get any space. Every time he or Thompson cut through the lane, they’re getting pulled and bumped. That’s playoff basketball. But if OKC is going to use the charity stripe to their advantage so should Golden State. Flopping, unfortunately, is a part of the game. And sometimes it’s necessary when contact goes unnoticed.

The Warriors don’t really have a lot of floppers and their leaders aren’t known for such. But the Splash Brothers and Green need to start flailing, screaming, and falling in order to get calls. Drawing fouls can get their offense going. Thompson started his explosive third quarter with free throws in Game 4. It also takes out some of the opponent’s key players.

When in doubt, flop.

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