Golden State Warriors: 3 Keys to success in Klay Thompson’s return
By Tony Pesta
1. Battle Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen
If the team with the best record in the NBA has any single weakness, it is probably their lack of size.
Fittingly, if the Cleveland Cavaliers have any single strength, it is their abundance of seven-footers.
The trio of Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen did not play in the Cavaliers’ Nov. 18 match against Golden State. Meaning, the Dubs will get their first taste of the three-headed beast on Sunday.
In a league that is dominated by small-ball lineups, the Cavs have gone big to much success. The three-big lineup holds a Net Rating of 8.1 in the near 400 minutes they’ve played together.
It is their versatility that makes them so effective. Allen is close to being a lock for the All-Star team while Mobley is gunning for the rookie of the year award. The two can block shots at a prolific rate and have developed a nice chemistry in high-low passes.
Golden State will have their hands full with this tandem in the frontcourt. But, they have overcome their lack of size multiple times already this season and will simply need to do it again.
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