Warriors vs. Pelicans Game 2 Preview: Golden State seeks to extend its series lead

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Warriors lead series 1-0

Oracle Arena - Oakland, CA

7:30 p.m. PST

Radio: KNBR 680 AM | TV: CSN Bay Area (local), TNT (national)

Buddy Blog: The Bird Writes

If the Warriors are looking to finish the Pelicans early, they are going to have to play much better. After jumping out to a double digit lead in Game 1, Golden State allowed an Anthony Davis-led run in the fourth quarter keep their starters on the court longer than they wanted. If it wasn't for Stephen Curry's 34 point effort, the Warriors may have put themselves in more than a little trouble.

Klay Thompson will need to play a more efficient game after going 6-17 from the field. While Steve Kerr mentioned that [he] didn't give the bench a huge opportunity, the reserves could certainly be looking at more minutes down the stretch. Depth is certainly one of the Warriors' biggest strengths. With Curry and Green soaring past 40 minutes of action, the Warriors should use their depth as an advantage and hopefully give the starters more breathers. It will be on Leandro Barbosa, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Marreese Speights to bring energy off the bench.

Keys to the Game

Make the Freebies

Stephen Curry missed 3 free throws in a game for the 1st time all season

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 18, 2015

Curry and the Warriors must do a better job at the free throw line. In Game 1, the team converted an ugly 21/34 (61.8%) at the charity stripe which was down from their regular season mark of 76.8% according to ESPN. Golden State should be able to bounce back from an uncharacteristic performance at the line.

Sharing is Caring

The Warriors were leaders in multiple team statistic categories in the regular season. Leading the NBA in assists, Golden State's motion offense features ball-movement that has transformed a good shot to a great shot with an extra pass. With multiple scoring options on offense, it will be crucial for the Warriors to continue their unselfish play and keep finding the open man.

D it Up

Including the 2014-15 regular season, Golden State improved to 41-0 when holding its opponent to under 100 points.

— GSWStats (@gswstats) April 18, 2015

While Kerr has revamped the Warriors' offense, it is their defense that has been the story of the season. Led by two Defensive Player of the Year candidates in Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green, Golden State boosts the top defensive efficiency per Hollinger's Team Statistics.

The Matchup

Anthony Davis and Draymond Green are both integral cogs for their respective teams and stuffed the stat sheet in Game 1. While Davis is the primary option for the Pelicans, Green provides the "swiss army knife" mentality for the Warriors. Green's versatility was evident in his performance of 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Green and Curry have worked the pick-and-roll well all year and we should continue seeing that action. Meanwhile, Davis helped rally the Pelicans back into Game 1 in the fourth quarter. As a handful on both ends, the Warriors must prevent Davis from second chance opportunities on the offensive glass while keeping him out of the paint and forcing tough jumpers which is easier said than done.

Injury Updates

Pelicans

Tyreke Evans (knee) will be a "game-time decision"

Warriors

David Lee (back) is not available for the second consecutive playoff game

Official Team Notes

Pelicans

Warriors