NBA Playoffs: 5 Pelicans Keys Against the Warriors

2. Clean Up the Glass

Another way the Pelicans can prevent the Warriors from getting extra opportunities is by cleaning up the defensive glass. Misses are certainly not common for Golden State, who led the league in field goal percentage (47.8%) and 3-point percentage (39.8%) .

When they finally do miss a shot the Pelicans must scoop up the scraps like this guy:

Feb 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) has his shot blocked by Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) as center Steven Adams (12) defends during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

And NOT like this guy:

Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) and forward Ryan Anderson (33) fight for the loose ball with Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) during the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It will be up to big men Omer Asik and Anthony Davis to not only rack up the boards, but to box out and allow their teammates to come in and safely secure possession. Each rebound may only be credited to one player, but more often than not each one will be a collaborative effort,

New Orleans picks up 75% of defensive rebounds (13th in the league) and Golden State garners converts 24% of the time on the offensive glass (21st). The Warriors are usually confident enough in their shots to back off and get the defense set, which is why that number is as low as it is.

With that said, limiting the Warriors to no more than one shot per possession should be near the top of the Pelicans to do list.