Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center
Andrew Bogut(12) blocks the shot by New Orleans Pelicans center
Omer Asik(3) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-85. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
While the New Orleans Pelicans have taken on the Golden State Warriors four times this season the NBA playoffs are a different animal. Teams make more adjustments from game to game, the focus on individual players is more intense and things get harder. So what to the Pelicans have to worry about? We are breaking down the group of Warriors that will probably see the floor in important situations throughout the series so Pelicans fans can know what to expect.
King James Gospel
When the Golden State Warriors acquired Andrew Bogut in a trade for Monta Ellis back in 2012 the move was widely criticized by a large contingent of the team’s fan base. Ellis had become an immensely popular player with his scoring abilities and Bogut was injured with a broken ankle and coming off a season during which he hadn’t looked right following a gruesome arm injury after slipping off the rim. As it tuns out though the move was a great one for the Warriors as the talent Aussie has been a key in the process of turning the Warriors into contenders.
Bogut’s per game totals don’t really tell the whole story with him, but they have been pretty good this season. In just 2.6 minutes per game, Bogut has scored 6.3 points, hauled in 8.1 rebounds, dished out 2.7 assists and blocked 1.7 shots this season. The most important number for Bogut and the Warriors though is 67, which is the amount of games he has played. Any time Golden State has Bogut on the floor their defense is magnificent and the fact that they have reached the playoffs with a healthy Bogut is key to their chances as a title contender.
Next: Defense, defense, defense