San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors: Players Who Must Step Up for GSW
The Golden State Warriors may be getting their first true test of the season on Friday when they play host to the San Antonio Spurs.
Aside from their recent six-game skid, the Warriors have played good ball for the majority of the season, as they currently hold the No. 6 seed in the Western conference with a 31-23 record.
The Warriors will be taking on arguably the best team in the league in the Spurs and will need great games from a few players in order to come away with a victory. Here are three players outside of David Lee and Stephen Curry that the Warriors need to step up.
Klay Thompson
The Warriors made a risky move last season when they decided to ship Monta Ellis away, leaving Klay Thompson the keys to the 2-guard position. Luckily, this move has sense paid off as Thompson has emerged as capable shooting guard putting up 16.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Thompson will have to continue to keep up this level of play on offense against the Spurs but must also perform on defense. Thompson will have the tough task of guarding Danny Green and must make a point of chasing him off the three-point line.
If there is one advantage that the Warriors may claim over the Spurs, it’s that they have one of the best backup point guards in the league in Jarrett Jack. Jack has had a phenomenal year as a reserve and could prove to be the wild card in Friday’s game.
Jack has put together a great stretch recently as he has averaged 20.7 points, 6.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds over his past three games. Jack will have to have another big night in order for the Warriors to claim a victory.
Andrew Bogut
The one key player that the Warriors will need against the Spurs is Andrew Bogut. Since returning for injury, Bogut has put up decent numbers of 7.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. While his numbers aren’t up to his career averages, the center can impact the game by just being in the paint. Bogut must play through his recent injury, as the Warriors will need his defensive presence and rebounding if they want to contend with the Spurs.
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