The Golden State Warriors are just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference Finals, and they're hoping to do so Friday night in Memphis. What do they need to do to beat the Grizzlies for the third straight time?
3) Neutralize Tony Allen
Tony Allen missed Game 5 with a hamstring injury, but he's arguably been Memphis' most important player this series. His defense has seriously hampered the Splash Bros. and can totally change a game on the defensive end.
In saying that, he's absolutely atrocious on offense, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr basically didn't put a man on him in Game 4, which Golden State won. Expect him to take a similar approach in Game 6.
2) Good transition defense
The Grizzlies are +20 in points off turnovers in their two wins over Golden State in this series, while they're -2 in their three losses. The Warriors need to be careful not to fall back into the turnover-prone enigma of a team they were early in the season — except they’re not hitting open looks, which makes the points off turnovers that much more crucial. Cutting the turnovers and getting back in transition will be key again in Game 6.
1) Control the tempo
It's very easy to get sucked into playing the Grizzlies slow, half-court, physical style of basketball, especially when playing in Memphis. Golden State is much more effective and comfortable playing an up-tempo game, and if they can turn Game 6 into an offensive affair, the Grizzlies won't be able to keep up with them.
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