Warriors v Clippers: Game 6 Prediction
May 1st, 2014
By Brian Posada
What is the only thing that trumps size and power in basketball? Speed.
Obviously the Clippers hold the advantage with Blake and Jordan both dominating as rim protectors. No one on the Warriors interior D can match their size and skill with Bogut out.
As a result, the Clippers hold a 3-2 series advantage as they look to close out the series in game six at Oakland. Warriors really could use their own rim protector, Andrew Bogut, but will have to make do without.
Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, deserves a lot of credit for having his team prepared in what has been an emotionally draining week. After the comments of Clipper Owner, Donald Sterling, the hate and racial hatred has overshadowed the purity of what has been some great basketball.
In game four the Clippers were clearly not one hundred percent focused resulting in a poorly played game; in game five they bounced back and managed to win a close one.
Warriors head coach, Marc Jackson must realize he’s going to lose the down low battle everytime. The only chance the Warriors have to win is by making this an up and down game with Curry and Klay taking 3-pointers left and right.
Crawford, Iguadala, and Barnes are talented ball handlers who can penetrate the rim and breakdown opposing D's. They should be assisting Curry bringing the ball down regularly moving Curry to the #2. Klay can rotate over and wait in the corner for his opportue three-point shots.
If Marc Jackson continues to do what he's been doing -- which is playing in the half-court set with Curry bringing the ball up 90% of the time -- the Warriors will lose.
I would take my chances with Chris Paul and JJ Reddick or a Clipper's bench player shooting the Clippers to victory. David Lee and Draymond Green can't single handedly defend Blake and cover Jordan for a full game. At some point Jackson is going to have to double team and let the other guys beat them.
In only a few hours we see what route Marc Jackson goes with. I expect a close game and the Warriors magic to lift them to a game 7 in Los Angeles. After all it is the NBA Playoffs!
