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Kendra AndrewsESPN
MEMPHIS (Tenn.) — As the Golden State WarriorsPrepare for Game 2 against the Western Conference semifinalists Memphis GrizzliesThe Warriors are preparing for a certain aspect of the game: physicality.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, said Tuesday after shootaround that it would be “the most physical game we play all season.”
“We cannot enter here and let our guard down knowing the reality of what we will face in terms physicality.”
The Grizzlies have a great offense, forcing turnovers and grabbing rebounds. This could spell doom for the Warriors. In Game 1, however, the Warriors won the glass game and outrebounded Memphis 51 to 47.
Since Game 1, the Grizzlies have spent a lot time talking about how they can not let this happen again.
“You can't let your guard down,” Kerr said. Ball watch: “You shouldn't let anyone run by you when the shot goes up. You have to locate a body and get a box out. If you see a ball on a floor, you have to grab it.
“They are proud to win hustle points, hustle battle. They have been doing that throughout the year. If we can match that feat and keep possession games manageable, then we like what we see.
What the Warriors should do to match the level physicality with which they expect the Grizzlies enter Game 2? Klay ThompsonOnly one thing was mentioned: Draymond Green.
After Green was ejected for picking up two flagrant violations, the Warriors had to play half of Game 1. Brandon Clarkeat the close of the second quarter.
Thompson stated that Thompson embraces these moments and he accepts being a villain. We need this. He really motivates us and we wouldn't be the Warriors without him… he is the greatest in games such as this.
The Warriors are optimistic that Green will return — and they'll continue to play the same way as before. Otto Porter Jr., Kevon Looney, Gary PaytonII Andrew WigginsThey'll have an edge over the Grizzlies.
It's going be a physically demanding night at work. They're likely to be full of energy, and they will feed off their crowd. If we want to win, we have to match or exceed that level. Although it is something we all signed up to, I anticipate a hard night in terms of physicality. But, it's something that we will embrace.
