Memphis Grizzlies

3 key Warriors that must step up vs Grizzlies

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) high fives guard Stephen Curry (30) after a basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

These three Golden State Warriors must step up to help give the team a chance to pick up yet another win on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.

With an 11-1 record in 12 games on the road this season, the Golden State Warriors have shown that they can wherever they play. With the road wins continuing to build chemistry and improve their play overall, the Warriors have seen a lot of benefit from playing a good chunk of games on the road early.

On Saturday night, the Warriors will hit the road again to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. It will once again be a back-to-back set, as the Warriors will then take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. With the Grizzlies always posing a tough challenge on the road, these are the three Warriors that have to be at their best.

3. JaVale McGee

When it comes to taking on the Memphis Grizzlies, playing size is an absolute must. The Warriors will play small at some points but they’re going to try and combat the size of the Grizzlies a little bit if they can.

JaVale McGee continues to slowly expand his role with the team and he’s going to play a vital role if the Warriors want to grab another win on the road on Saturday night. With Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph down low, McGee is going to have to use his length to disrupt shots and grab rebounds.

This is a game that is going to be won on the glass and he’ll have the likes of Draymond Green working down low to help him out, so long as Green is good to go after suffering an ankle injury in Utah. This is a good opportunity for McGee to continue to prove himself.

Nov 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) dribbles the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ian Clark

Ian Clark continues to develop into a big option off the bench for the Warriors. With some clutch shots on Thursday night, Clark was able to help Golden State hang onto their lead late against Utah on the road.

Against Memphis on Saturday night, Clark is going to have even more of a spotlight on him. The Memphis native had his jersey retired at his high school on Friday night and will have his opportunity to put on a show for his friends and family in attendance on Saturday.

Clark’s going to get his minutes, especially with the Warriors playing a back-to-back set and he will be relied upon to spark some scoring off the bench. If he can come in and chip in some shots or even maybe strike from deep, it will be a huge momentum boost for the Warriors.

There’s nothing like playing at home and trying to put together a big game. Clark’s going to be motivated to put on a show and ultimately help come off the bench and play a hand in getting his team a win on the road.

Dec 8, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has gotten off to a fantastic start this season for the Golden State Warriors and is playing at an MVP level through the team’s first 23 games. He’s arguably gotten better and he’s expanding his game on both ends of the floor.

However, he’s not quite been himself the last couple of games and his shot hasn’t been consistently falling the way he would like. While he hasn’t been bad by any stretch, Durant certainly wants to put together one of those nights where he goes off for a lot of points.

The Grizzlies are going to throw a lot of different looks at him and might even try to get Tony Allen out on him at times. He’s going to have to work for his points in this one, but if he can get a rhythm going early, he’s going to get his chance to come through big for his team.

One of the things Durant has done well is drive the lane and become aggressive if the jumper isn’t working the way he likes. Driving on the Grizzlies’ stout interior isn’t exactly a walk in the park but he might consider trying it early to mix in with his shot selection.

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