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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Warriors-Celtics defining stat: Turnovers

Turnovers have played the Warriors all season. It’s not necessarily been just a recent problem either.

The Warriors have instilled a high-movement, low-isolation offense that thrives off open looks and ball movement. That’s going to lead to turnovers, but minimizing those is still going to be paramount for Golden State.

The Celtics and Warriors rank 9th and 10th in turnover rate this offseason. During the regular season, the Warriors were 29th in turnover rate, so the improvement is there for Golden State.

Nonetheless, 14.8 turnovers per game in the playoffs has crippled them a few times, and against a Celtics defense that finished No. 1 in defensive rating this season, ball security is going to even be more important.

Specifically, Jayson Tatum and Draymond Green are the two to watch.

Tatum averaged 4.7 turnovers per game against Miami while Green has notched 2.8 per game during the entire playoffs. The individual play of those two will be vital all over the court but specifically when it comes to turning the ball over.

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