Golden State Warriors need a different approach in Game 2 v Lakers

The Golden State Warriors were unable to secure a home win against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on Tuesday night, falling 117-112 having tied the game with less 90 seconds remaining.

This is one of the most anticipated playoff series we have seen in recent memory. You have the Warriors, a team who has cemented themselves as a dynasty, who are trying to continue that and win back-to-back championships. You have Stephen Curry vs LeBron James again, for what feels like the 100th time. And you have LeBron James trying to take a seventh-seed to the NBA Finals at age 38, which is also impressive.

Golden State had every reason, written out on paper, to go and win Game 1. They are the higher seed with more experience and hold the reign as defending champions. They were at home, with an amazing crowd, yet still were unable to get the job done.

The Golden State Warriors need to adjust a few aspects ahead of Game 2 of their second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Something specific needs to change for the Warriors or they face the prospects of going to Los Angeles down 2-0. From there, there’s a genuine chance of them getting swept. The Warriors simply must keep Draymond Green out of foul trouble — he is far too valuable on both sides of the ball to be sitting on the bench for most of the second-half.

Green was in largely in foul trouble due to guarding Anthony Davis at times during the game. Davis was feasting, whether he be guarded by Green or Kevon Looney. He was going to get his no matter what. That’s the type of player he is — when he’s on he’s on, and there’s not really any one stopping him, at least from a Golden State standpoint.

Sure, you can have Green guard him, but it’s likely going to end up in the Lakers favor. When Green guarded him for most of the first-half, Davis had over 20 points and 10 rebounds on 9-for-10 shooting. Now you have to decide if there’s someone on the roster that could attempt to guard Davis to a harder extent.

You could throw out someone who you wouldn’t mind getting into foul trouble — Jamychal Green and Jonathan Kuminga each have similar size to try and matchup with the Lakers star. No, they won’t stop him, but make it a little more difficult as Davis drew fouls and went 8-for-8 from the line in Game 1 regardless.

The other aspect is the referees — if they allow Green to play a little more physical, then his chances of limiting Davis are heavily increased. The Lakers were the best team in the league at getting to the line during the regular season, and that’s an area the Warriors will need to try and address going into Game 2. However, 29 free throws to six is very lopsided even considering the differing styles of the two teams.

The Warriors have been here before, so expect Steve Kerr to make the necessary adjustment ahead of and during Game 2. How and who guards Davis will be a fascinating watch as Golden State attempt to tie the series at 1-1.