What Warriors must do to beat the Rockets

If Udoka continues that strategy, Golden State's perimeter role players, especially Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield, will be open. To win the series, the aforementioned Warriors must shoot a high percentage in these situations. 

Jonathan Kuminga, who notably hasn't played in the rotation the past two games, will also be key in raising Golden State's ceiling. With his size (6-foot-7) and athleticism, Kuminga is one of the few Warriors who can match the physical tools of Rockets wings Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. 

But even if Kuminga matches up well against those wings, it won't matter if he doesn't lean into the role that this Warriors team needs from him. That's primarily cutting and rebounding. 

Butler and Curry are capable of willing the Warriors to a win, as illustrated by their combined 75 points on April 15 against Memphis. But it's not sustainable for the 35-year-old Butler and 37-year-old Curry to carry the burden every game. Others must step up.

Defense

The Warriors' lack of size has posed problems for them against bigger teams over the past five seasons, and Houston's 6-foot-11 Alperen Sengun will surely look to exploit this weakness. 

Containing Sengun with quick traps and doubles to get the ball out of his hands is paramount for Golden State, as the Rockets don't have any elite perimeter scoring threats. 

But by homing in on Sengun, the Warriors risk giving Houston's leading scorer (Jalen Green, 21 PPG) leeway to get into rhythm. However, Golden State should consider Green's lack of playoff experience, coupled with his career struggles against Golden State (13.1 PPG career average against the Warriors, per StatMuse) when picking what to "live with."