Golden State Warriors: 3 Things to watch in clash with Phoenix
By Tony Pesta
2. Suns’ big men
The Golden State Warriors have always preferred to play small-ball but that does not mean they have not paid the price for their lack of size. Though they rank top five in rebounding and lead the league in defense — the Dubs will have their hands full against the Phoenix frontcourt.
At 7-feet, Deandre Ayton, JaVale McGee and Frank Kaminsky are all taller than any active player the Warriors have to offer. Kevon Looney, who is just 6’9″, is going to have a long night against these giants.
Ayton is averaging 15.4 points. and 11.5 rebounds on a career-best 64.1 percent field goal percentage. Meanwhile, McGee remains one of the most underrated athletes in sports, recording 10.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 16.4 minutes per game.
As for Kaminsky, his value as a floor-spacer will keep the Dubs on their feet as he is shooting 33.3 percent on 3-point attempts for 10.6 points per game this season.
The Warriors will likely count on Looney to bang down low with McGee and Ayton while Draymond Green and Juan Toscano-Anderson are going to use their low center of gravity to hold their own against the trees. Nemanja Bjelica and Jonathan Kuminga will probably see some minutes in the frontcourt as well.