Golden State Warriors: 3 stats that will define the NBA Finals

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 26: Kevon Looney #5, Andrew Wiggins #22, Draymond Green #23 and head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors react after substitutions during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. The Golden State Warriors won 120-110 to advance to the NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Warriors-Celtics defining stat: Offensive rebounds

The Golden State Warriors had a major size issue when taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. It seemed like the matchup caused such a problem for Golden State that they opted to go small instead of giving heavy minutes to Kevon Looney.

Morant’s injury changed the course of the series as the Grizzlies opted to play Steven Adams and just terrorize the paint. That’s where Looney has stepped up and continued to thrive against the Mavericks. Looney and Andrew Wiggins have both been impressive on the glass.

The Warriors have ranked 7th in both offensive and defensive rebounding rate while the Celtics sit 11th and 10th respectively. In every game Golden State won their Western Conference Finals matchup, they outrebounded Dallas by double figures.

If that success continues, which it is doubtful to cause the expertise and experience of veteran forward Al Horford and elite defensive center Robert Williams, the Warriors would come out on top with ease.

Rebounding is going to play a major factor, and if Golden State can just sustain their edge on the glass, it should be a key difference-maker for the Dubs.

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