Golden State Warriors: 5 things Dubs need to do to win Game 2

4. Do NOT play Zaza

Sorry Zaza Pachulia, but the Golden State Warriors have looked pretty solid without you, and I highly doubt that’s a coincidence.

In all fairness, there may come a time when the Dubs need Pachulia for a particular matchup. As difficult as that may be to foresee, you just can’t be too sure with this coaching staff.

But let’s be real: Pachulia’s strength centers around his ability to clean the glass, and the Warriors currently rank second among postseason teams in rebounds per game (49.0). The Philadelphia 76ers are the playoff rebounding leaders this year, but they only lead the Dubs by 0.2.

The Warriors are also doing just fine in other notable categories in which Pachulia could have helped contribute: fifth in points (108.5), fourth in field goal percentage (47.9), third in free throw percentage (81.3) and first in assists (27.8).

Considering the Warriors lead the league in plus-minus, too (+11.0), I’d bet the next time we see Pachulia in a game is some time in the NBA Finals.