Golden State Warriors: Three keys to winning Game 5

They need to play fast

The Golden State Warriors ran all over the place in Games 1 and 2. They turned defense into offense and pushed the ball. They got a lot of easy looks this way.

It was clear that the Warriors were making a concerted effort to get out in transition. In Game 1, the Cavaliers played their best matador defense and dove out of the way whenever they saw Kevin Durant with the ball. This led to six first half dunks and huge momentum shifts.

In Game 2, the defending champs adjusted and did the first thing you learn when you start playing organized basketball: they stopped ball. This led to wide open threes. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson hit four three-pointers each.

Despite telling the media otherwise, the Cavaliers slowed down the pace in Game 3. The Warriors managed to pull it out, thanks to Kevin Durant’s heroics and an 11-0 run at the end of the game. They slowed it down even more in Game 4.

The Warriors need to get into the open floor. In the half court, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are wonderful isolation players and their offense can get going in that type of game. Golden State can’t let them get comfortable.

The more they run, the more good looks they get. The more they run, the more they can break James down over the course of 48 minutes. That style of play clearly benefits the Warriors.

If they can get out and run, they can win Game 5. They have to be in control and take care of the ball, but getting out in transition is their best strategy.