Toronto Raptors: Three keys to win against Golden State Warriors

The Toronto Raptors face off against the Golden State Warriors again on Wednesday night. This time the Warriors will have their full squad. What are the Raptors three keys to victory?

The last time these two teams faced off the Toronto Raptors squeaked out an overtime victory 131-128. When these two teams play each other on Wednesday night, Toronto will need to play better if they want to compete, let alone win.

One advantage Golden State will have this time around is homecourt advantage. Another, much more significant advantage, is the return of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Green is one of the best two-three defenders in the NBA; Curry is one of the best two-three basketball players in the NBA,

Yes, it’s unlikely Kevin Durant drops another 50-burger on Toronto. Still, Toronto will need to play more effectively than they did the first time these two matched up.

What does Toronto need to do to play better? Here are our three keys:

1. Force turnovers

The Golden State Warriors have a season EFG% of 56.1-percent, best in the NBA. They score more points per field goal attempt than anyone else. Defensively, they allow an EFG% of 50.9-percent, 10th best in the NBA.

That difference of 5.2-percent is the largest in the NBA and accounts for an approximately 9-10 point advantage over the course of a game (5.2-percent X 87.8 FGA X Two Teams).

So how can you attempt to slow them down? The easiest way is to not allow them to shoot. As great as the Warriors are offensively, they rank below league-average in TOV%. Part of that can be attributed to their ball-movement based system; part of that can be attributed to a general apathy for the regular season (They improved to the 4th best TOV% in the playoffs last season).

The Warriors are going to make shots. They’re too talented not too. The Raptors need to try to steal a few points throughout the game by forcing them to turn it over.

2. Let role players beat you

Last time the Raptors and Warriors played Jonas Jerebko went for 20. To some extent, you need to be willing to live with those results.

Golden State has four All-NBA-type players and three of the greatest shooters of all-time. It’s better to let Jonas Jerebko, and Quinn Cook beat you than Curry and Durant.

3. Score when the defense is not set

The Warriors are the best team in the NBA; even the biggest Toronto Raptor homer would likely be able to admit that. You know what they aren’t? The hardest playing team in the NBA.

Golden State ranks in the bottom third of the league in opponent transition points, opponent second-chance points, and in opponent points off turnovers.

With a set defense, Golden State has sound enough principles and sufficient talent to be a solid defensive team. However, you can take advantage of them by hustling and working before they set their defense.

The regular season doesn’t mean very much to the Warriors, and for good reason. Toronto can take advantage of this by beating Golden State in the little areas, even if they are the ones on the second end of a back-to-back.