Golden State Warriors: 3 Keys to success in Klay Thompson’s return
By Tony Pesta
3. Keep up with Cleveland’s bench
Considering the Golden State Warriors’ motto has been Strength in Numbers, is vital they do not underestimate one of the more underrated bench squads in the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers might not seem like a deep team to those who have not been watching recently, but timely performances from key bench players have kept the Cavs afloat during treacherous times.
Specifically, Kevin Love and Cedi Osman have been red-hot from behind the 3-point line. Love is averaging 23.8 points on 50.0 percent 3-point shooting over his last six games while Osman is hitting at a career-high 39.7 percent rate.
The Warriors will not have to deal with the crafty playmaking skills of Ricky Rubio, who is out for the year with a torn ACL. Still, the addition of Rajon Rondo gives Cleveland all the boost they need to put the Dubs’ second unit to the test.
Luckily, Jordan Poole has been ramping up for his role as the sixth man. Poole can give Golden State all they need to counter the Cavaliers’ high-scoring bench.