NBA Playoffs: 5 Pelicans Keys Against the Warriors

Dec 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is guarded by New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

4. Keep it Close

Golden State outscores their opponents by an average of 10 points per game. That number was inflated thanks to some awful performances from some awful teams, but they have blown out quality opponents as well. With such a high margin of victory, true challenges have been few and far between.

The Warriors have been so dominant this year that they have had very few close calls. Only 20 of their 67 wins were decided by single digits, and there were plenty of occasions where the starters did not even have to step foot on the court in the fourth quarter. That is a testament to just how good the second unit is, but it is also proof that this elite group has not been heavily tested.

Though that is easier said than done, the Pelicans have done a decent job competing with Golden State this year. They won a crucial game in the Smoothie King Center just last week 103-100, and pushed the Warriors to overtime in December without Anthony Davis!

Golden State took the other two matchups at Oracle Arena pretty handily. However the Pelicans have shown the mighty Warriors that if the game is close until the end, they have the talent to capitalize. As long as the Pels do not fall behind early and can stand their ground, anything is possible.