Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Game 3 Preview: Must stop Anthony Davis

Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Warriors lead series 2-0

Smoothie King Arena - New Orleans, Louisiana

6:30 p.m. PST

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

Buddy Blog: The Bird Writes

Each spring Charles Barkley of TNT, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets fame boldly proclaims that a playoff series doesn't start till a team wins on the opponent's  floor. Now Chuck isn't always right about the NBA, but I think there's some truth here.

It's fantastic that the Warriors have a 2-0 series lead, but that just means they did what they were supposed to do. Now comes the hard part. The Pelicans are the 8th seed and the Warriors had the best record in the entire NBA in the regular season, but that doesn't matter come playoff time. Winning a playoff game on the road is never easy, especially against a team that battled through 81 games and beat up the San Antonio Spurs on the last day of the regular season to make the playoffs in the West. Remember this is the first time New Orleans will be hosting a playoff game since Chris Paul was tossing lobs to Tyson Chandler. The Pelicans players and NOLA will be pumped up. Smoothie King isn't Roaracle, but it will be loud.

Assuming the Warriors don't have a complete and utter meltdown on offense (which is highly, highly improbable with this cast of scorers and distributors coached by some stellar hoops minds), there's really only one key to the game.

STOP ANTHONY DAVIS.

Apricot shows off his high hoops IQ in this fascinating piece: Inside the coaching chess match between the Warriors and Pelicans: Slowing (and freeing) Anthony Davis

In Game 3 on the road the Warriors do not want Anthony Davis to get going any point. One approach to contain this future MVP and NBA Champion for tonight would be to deny him the rock at all costs. When he's in motion in the high post or even perimeter sag down the guards to make that pass difficult. When he's down low have Andrew Bogut or Festus Ezeli zone in front of him to make that pass impossible. Do not let him get the rock. Challenge the passing abilities of the Pelicans guards and forwards. Let anybody beat you, but Anthony Davis.

That's easier said than done of course, but that would surely lead to a big and commanding 3-0 lead. Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon could score 40 points each. Just don't let Davis get going at home.

Predictions

• Stephen Curry heats up and drops 30 points, generating millions of more votes in this poll.
• Anthony Davis has a monster 25-12 and sprinkles in a few swats. (Admittedly I made an impossible suggestion above. Davis will get open and will have a big game.)
• It's not Roaracle loud in NOLA.
• Warriors by 5

LET'S GO WARRIORS!