Golden State Warriors’ size issues key reason for Game 3 struggles

It was a brutal loss for the Golden State Warriors as they had many runs in the game that brought the battle within single digits. They even had another dominant third quarter, pushing their three-game third-quarter differential to +43.

Sadly, a fourth-quarter onslaught by the Boston offense (outscored Golden State by 12 in the fourth) mixed with some discouraging shooting from Golden State sealed the deal. It was a 116-100 victory for the Celtics who have now taken a 2-1 series lead.

The Golden State Warriors size issues plagued them in Game 3 as the Boston Celtics absolutely dominated the glass, helping result in a 16-point win.

For the third straight game, Golden State has shot above their season average from deep. Typically, that would result on them coming out on top, but on Wednesday, there was a notable difference on the glass that ultimately shifted the momtentum.

The Celtics just seemed like they wanted it more, and their size was a major factor. The ability for Robert Williams and Al Horford to play both sides of the floor has been paramount throughout the series. It was on full display in Game 3 as well.

The Celtics had 4 fewer turnovers. That’s not what killed the Warriors in Game 3.

It was size. The Celtics amassed 9 more offensive rebounds and a discouraging 16 more total rebounds. That’s something that must be talked about. 4 Celtics had 3 or more offensive boards. They just wanted it more.

Coming into the series, two of the focal points for the Warriors were size and turnovers. They’ve been able to control the latter, and they’ve even received three straight masterclass performances from two-time MVP Stephen Curry.

But, when you are outshot by 11 field goal attempts and 9 free-throw attempts, you stand little chance. The Warriors death lineup has little answer for the Celtics on the glass which has forced Steve Kerr to play more Otto Porter Jr. and Kevon Looney.

Both of which have offer some size and hope that diminish the Celtics effectiveness on the glass, but neither of which are even 6-foot-10. While both Williams and Horford are 6-foot-9, the combination poses a lethal threat on the glass.

Kerr and company are going to have to find a way to limit the Celtics on the glass.