Golden State Warriors consistent aggression key to Game 4 win
The Golden State Warriors were outrebounded in Game 3, and that made all the difference as Boston hoisted up several more attempts from the field. 11 more shot attempts helped put away Golden State as they lost by 16 but were within four in the second half.
That had to be a key for head coach Steve Kerr and his staff as they headed into an almost must-win Game 4 scenario. Going down 3-1 would’ve been far from ideal for a Warriors team that entered as favorites in the series.
The Golden State Warriors won the edge on the glass in Game 4, and that was among the numerous keys to their massive, series-saving victory.
The Dubs’ poor rebounding in Game 3 was hard to ignore. The difference on the glass was 16 and the difference on the offensive glass was 9.
While many didn’t think Kerr’s side was the better small-ball team, he opted to start small, giving Otto Porter Jr. the five role instead of Kevon Looney. Looney still saw an impressive 6 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes.
Despite not starting, Looney played the sixth-most minutes of his 20 postseason appearances. The key difference was Andrew Wiggins’ impressive rebounding, hauling down 16 boards. Wiggins also played. team-high 43 minutes.
Stephen Curry had the masterclass performance, but it was the former No. 1 overall pick who put the team on his back defensively. Wiggins’ defense on Boston superstar Jayson Tatum has also been extremely underrated throughout the series.
Wiggins, Curry and Looney combined to have 37 rebounds. Boston’s entire team had 42. The Warriors’ dominance on the board helped result in six more attempts from the field and five more from deep.
Their defense, forcing 15 turnovers, played a key role in the Dubs managing to outrebound and ensuingly take down Boston. The Warriors won the game 107-97 and have regained home-court advantage.
They’ll now have to lose a home game for the Celtics to take the series, a good position the Warriors are in and one that they’ll certainly take after losing Game 1 at the Chase Center.