The Golden State Warriors are going to want to close out the hungry and young Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6.
After losing Game 5 by 39 points, the Warriors must show more aggression on their home court. They are 5-0 on their home court and had the league’s second-best home record this season, so there should be hope that they do bounce back with ease.
If the Golden State Warriors are going to close out the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6, they’re going to have to put up a far better effort on the glass.
One lowlight of Golden State’s discouraging Game 5 was that they were abused on the glass. Without superstar guard Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have turned to their size instead of trying to morph to Golden State’s style of play.
It’s worked so far, and the Grizzlies were unstoppable in the paint in their 134-95 victory.
It’s almost borderline unthinkable that the Warriors were -14 in offensive rebounds as only one team averaged 14 or more offensive boards per game during the regular season. That directly correlates with the Grizzlies taking 19 more field goal attempts.
That combination is what cost the Warriors the game.
It’s odd that the Dubs struggled that mightily on the glass, especially given their regular season numbers were not that bad. They ranked 13th in defensive rebounding rate. They do play a few ultra-small lineups that can get destroyed in the paint.
Couple that with the Grizzlies ranking No. 1 in offensive rebounding rate, and it makes sense the Warriors were going to struggle in that department. However, most of rebounding is effort, and the Warriors are going to have to bring that on Friday night.
Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and Andrew Wiggins are going to have to step up. I’d expect to see more minutes for the Warriors’ regular season starting center, Looney, as Otto Porter Jr. may not be able to play and rookie Jonathan Kuminga has struggled at times.
Regardless of who is on the floor, Golden State is going to have to rebound at a high rate if they hope to send the Grizzlies home for good on Friday night.