OKC Thunder versus Warriors preview: Part Deux

Key Stats:

Since Tuesday both clubs have played twice and it’s slightly shifted the dynamics but the strengths and weaknesses remain similar.

The Warriors took dramatic shifts in the three key categories in two games. Specifically, their fifth rank offense dropped to 14th, they moved up to 7th defensively from their original 13th position and they moved up to 7th in net differential from 11th.

Scoring:  After lower scoring matches against the Thunder and Grizzlies the Warriors drop from fourth to 10th in points per game (112.4).

Similarly, Golden State experienced a shift on the defensive end of the court and was able to shave four points off their opponent points per game lowering them from 18th to 13th in opponent points per game (107.2).

Cleaning the glass: For the first time in five matches, the Warriors didn’t win the glass as the Grizzlies pulled down 51 to the Dubs’ 48 boards. Although that lowered their total from 48.7 to 48.0 boards per game they improved one spot and now rank eighth in this category.

Dime dishers: With the heavy player and ball movement strategy of the Warriors it was inevitable they would land atop the assists per game ladder. Entering Tuesday they ranked fifth (27.7) but now find themselves first in the association with 28 assists per game.

Opponent second chance scoring: The Warriors rank second in the association holding opponents to 7.6 second-chance points per game.

Points in the Paint: Golden State allows the 10th fewest points in the paint per game (43.8).

Weaknesses: Clearly the Warriors noted their weakness of stopping teams in transition. Entering the match on Tuesday they ranked 28th for opponent scoring on the fast break (19.0 points). In the two matches since they shaved that number to 14.4 and improved to a 21st rank.

However, they are still struggling to control the ball committing 16.6 turnovers per game which ranks 24th in the league.