Warriors role player that has stepped up: Nemanja Bjelica
The Warriors were always going to be lacking size. They start Kevon Looney at center, and he stands just 6-foot-9. Andrew Wiggins at 6-foot-8 and Draymond Green at 6-foot-6 round out the starting frontcourt.
While size hasn’t been a huge detriment, Bjelica does bring some off the bench for the Dubs. Averaging 14.5 minutes per game, Bjelica is actually playing more than I expected him to.
However, through the first two games, he shot 8-for-12 from the field and scored 18 points. Bjelica is best used to counter the size of Nuggets’ center DeMarcus Cousins. The crafty big man also has 4 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals through his 43 minutes of action.
The Serbian may not always see time as it appears his minutes will be reliant on the matchup, but against Denver, he’s been used well and impressed with his ability to play in the paint defensively and then spread the floor offensively.
The Warriors’ second unit has been excellent, and they’re a major reason why Golden State has kicked off its first-round series up 3-0.