NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to the Warriors-Pelicans series

NBA Playoffs 2018: 5 keys to Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 14: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on March 14, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 19: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer during Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center on April 19, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. 3-point Shooting

It should go without saying that 3-point shooting will play a key role in the series. It is about the only way New Orleans could keep up with Golden State’s offense in a lot of ways. And the Pelicans will have to work to create good shooting opportunities to counteract the Warriors’ length.

In the first round of the playoffs, New Orleans shot 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. In the Pelicans’ April 7 win over the Warriors, they shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers. That will be an absolute key to New Orleans’ success in this series.

The Pelicans shot 36.2 percent from beyond the arc for the season. That means New Orleans is shooting well above the tam’s 3-point average in the playoffs. And did so in its lone win against Golden State this year.

Defensively, New Orleans was great against Portland’s 3-point shooting. It was not just Damian Lillard shooting a below-average mark from beyond the arc. Portland as a team shot 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

During the season, New Orleans’ opponents hit 35.5 percent from beyond the arc, the eighth best 3-point field goal percentage defense in the league. The 3-pointer remains the great equalizer in the league. It is still a bit random whether a team can defend the 3-point line effectively. Golden State can just hit threes, even contested 3s and bury opponents quickly.

Next: The art of collaboration

New Orleans will have to rely heavily on its 3-point shooting and defense to stay in this series. It is an important aspect to this series and every series against the Warriors.

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