Steph's defensive effort was really evident last game. Thinking it was a combination of desire to beat a strong team and rough shooting night. Conserving energy on the defensive end is a bad look when the shots aren't dropping.
Long read but here goes. Where else can I geek out like this with the rare possibility that somebody might read this? I've been thinking about what's it gonna take to get the dubs from a five hundred team to a nice playoff run this year. Here's what I've noticed, mostly looking at the rotations from the last two games via popcorn machine and the NBA lineups stats.
Our starting 5 is solid (Curry, Oubre, Wiggins, Draymond, Looney). Of 5 man lineups that have played more than 100 minutes together, their +/- per 48 is first in the whole NBA (+26.3)! They may also be the most expensive, but that ain't my problem... We can figure that they will play the first 6min of the 1st and 3rd, as well as the second 6 min of the 2nd and 4th. Maybe you take Looney out in the 4th and play small if you need to (sub in JTA or Paschall). Of course we'd all love Oubre to finish with both hands, Wiggins to never iso, and Draymond to make his floaters, but we are lucky to have such a good starting 5 when our 2nd best player is injured.
The first rotation (2nd 6min of the 1st and 2nd 6 min of the 3rd) has fit a pattern. Normally Kerr has pulled a wing (Oubre or Wiggins), and also switched centers. I think we have to assume Wiseman keeps getting those minutes cuz he needs to play. Most recently, Baze has been coming in for Wiggins, which is my preference. I think Wiggins is a better fit with the 2nd unit than Oubre because he can make his own shot more consistently. Interestingly, the Curry/Oubre/Bazemore/Draymond/Wiseman 5 man line-up has played pretty well. Only 23 minutes played, but +32.9 per 48! (even better than the starting 5). Now the question is if this is sustainable, but I'd like to think that if Wiseman can keep his head on straight, he makes up for some of Wiggins lost scoring, and maybe this can be a pretty good lineup. So now we have the first and third quarters playing well, and the second half of the second and 4th.
Here's where it gets dicey. In the first half of the 2nd and 4th, Curry, Draymond, and Oubre all sit, otherwise they are playing the whole game. Wiggins can play those minutes. Wiseman has only played 12 other minutes, so figure he gets those minutes as well. Unfortunately, we need to bring in Wannamaker at PG, and either JTA or Paschall at the 4. And we have to decide between Damion Lee or Bazemore at the other wing. I know LGW loves JTA, but we've really needed some scoring in the 2nd unit, so Paschall has gotten the nod. Last couple games Kerr played Lee over Bazemore. But none of these lineups are exciting to me. Paschall is fun to watch score, but his all around game just doesn't seem made for winning (one of the lowest +/- on the Warriors). Wannamaker honestly doesn't seem like much of a player. Wiggins can play down to those around him. It's great to see Wiseman get the minutes, but in this bench mob, I don't see him really developing or playing his best. Arrgh! So what to do? I think we need to give Poole a shot at PG for the second unit, and possibly Nico as well. I'm not saying they are better than Brad, but worth a shot, and they are more likely to get minutes on the team next year. I would try JTA at the 4 instead of Paschall a bit and see how it goes. Maybe his fundamentals and leadership (i.e pointing a lot) on D can help Wiseman and the rest of these guys play good team D and open up the floor for good passing. Bazemore vs Lee at the other wing I'm not sure, probably good to give them both a run. Poole/Lee/Wiggins/JTA/Wiseman. Could that be a good bench unit? Is it good enough?
Another option would be to split up Curry and Draymond a bit (maybe draymond sits in the first and third). Then have Draymond run point for the 2nd unit. It's probably a net loss, since we see how much Draymond helps Curry be awesome, but might work out.
Last option is think about making a trade. I think that Brad is the weak link, could we get a decent backup PG before the trade deadline? I'd even be willing to give up Paschall, cuz I just don't see him making the players around him better, and his scoring should be attractive to somebody.
In any event, I think there is no way we make a playoff run with our current bench unit so I hope Kerr starts really trying some things out to see what we can get going there. Curious if anyone has some better ideas.
Good post, 3D. Last night's game was the first game this season, that I saw the Warriors come together, fight hard both on offense and defense and didn't rely on a comeback win and miracle shooting. Green played like a well oiled machine. Almost a triple D but I was especially impressed with his D, and forceful attack on the basket. He even hit 2 FTs near the close of the game. Wiseman, although fouling out, looked terrific in his short stint. There was no clumsiness or wondering what he should do on his face. This is a great sign for things that I hope to see more consistently for the rest of the season. While they still have bouts of poor shooting, the main problem of Oubre's seems to be gone for the most part. He's become a valuable part of the team and is a special player.
Just wanted to give a shout out to Sabonis. A highly gifted athlete and player who is one of the special talents in the NBA. He is blessed with an Oubre-like motor and physique that allows him to be as mobile as they come. His dad never had that quality and to watch him running the floor is a sight to behold. As strong as they come. Indiana has a great big man tandem in Sabonis and Turner. They are good to go for years...............plus, TJ Warren and Lavert, who are out. This is a future powerhouse team.
Did Green’s comments feel a lot like positive reinforcement after a good couple defensive games by Curry? Felt like Green had that ready to go as soon as Steph put some good D out there.
Nice article on Kerr and coach challenges this year: https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/steve-kerr-changed-mind-challenge-rule-explains-warriors-strategy
Steph's defensive effort was really evident last game. Thinking it was a combination of desire to beat a strong team and rough shooting night. Conserving energy on the defensive end is a bad look when the shots aren't dropping.
Don’t look now, but the Warriors are currently the #3 defense in the league, after the Lakers and Utah.
🔥 Jessup 🔥 10/15 FG, 4/7 3P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X6Jkc6iQ2c
Long read but here goes. Where else can I geek out like this with the rare possibility that somebody might read this? I've been thinking about what's it gonna take to get the dubs from a five hundred team to a nice playoff run this year. Here's what I've noticed, mostly looking at the rotations from the last two games via popcorn machine and the NBA lineups stats.
Our starting 5 is solid (Curry, Oubre, Wiggins, Draymond, Looney). Of 5 man lineups that have played more than 100 minutes together, their +/- per 48 is first in the whole NBA (+26.3)! They may also be the most expensive, but that ain't my problem... We can figure that they will play the first 6min of the 1st and 3rd, as well as the second 6 min of the 2nd and 4th. Maybe you take Looney out in the 4th and play small if you need to (sub in JTA or Paschall). Of course we'd all love Oubre to finish with both hands, Wiggins to never iso, and Draymond to make his floaters, but we are lucky to have such a good starting 5 when our 2nd best player is injured.
The first rotation (2nd 6min of the 1st and 2nd 6 min of the 3rd) has fit a pattern. Normally Kerr has pulled a wing (Oubre or Wiggins), and also switched centers. I think we have to assume Wiseman keeps getting those minutes cuz he needs to play. Most recently, Baze has been coming in for Wiggins, which is my preference. I think Wiggins is a better fit with the 2nd unit than Oubre because he can make his own shot more consistently. Interestingly, the Curry/Oubre/Bazemore/Draymond/Wiseman 5 man line-up has played pretty well. Only 23 minutes played, but +32.9 per 48! (even better than the starting 5). Now the question is if this is sustainable, but I'd like to think that if Wiseman can keep his head on straight, he makes up for some of Wiggins lost scoring, and maybe this can be a pretty good lineup. So now we have the first and third quarters playing well, and the second half of the second and 4th.
Here's where it gets dicey. In the first half of the 2nd and 4th, Curry, Draymond, and Oubre all sit, otherwise they are playing the whole game. Wiggins can play those minutes. Wiseman has only played 12 other minutes, so figure he gets those minutes as well. Unfortunately, we need to bring in Wannamaker at PG, and either JTA or Paschall at the 4. And we have to decide between Damion Lee or Bazemore at the other wing. I know LGW loves JTA, but we've really needed some scoring in the 2nd unit, so Paschall has gotten the nod. Last couple games Kerr played Lee over Bazemore. But none of these lineups are exciting to me. Paschall is fun to watch score, but his all around game just doesn't seem made for winning (one of the lowest +/- on the Warriors). Wannamaker honestly doesn't seem like much of a player. Wiggins can play down to those around him. It's great to see Wiseman get the minutes, but in this bench mob, I don't see him really developing or playing his best. Arrgh! So what to do? I think we need to give Poole a shot at PG for the second unit, and possibly Nico as well. I'm not saying they are better than Brad, but worth a shot, and they are more likely to get minutes on the team next year. I would try JTA at the 4 instead of Paschall a bit and see how it goes. Maybe his fundamentals and leadership (i.e pointing a lot) on D can help Wiseman and the rest of these guys play good team D and open up the floor for good passing. Bazemore vs Lee at the other wing I'm not sure, probably good to give them both a run. Poole/Lee/Wiggins/JTA/Wiseman. Could that be a good bench unit? Is it good enough?
Another option would be to split up Curry and Draymond a bit (maybe draymond sits in the first and third). Then have Draymond run point for the 2nd unit. It's probably a net loss, since we see how much Draymond helps Curry be awesome, but might work out.
Last option is think about making a trade. I think that Brad is the weak link, could we get a decent backup PG before the trade deadline? I'd even be willing to give up Paschall, cuz I just don't see him making the players around him better, and his scoring should be attractive to somebody.
In any event, I think there is no way we make a playoff run with our current bench unit so I hope Kerr starts really trying some things out to see what we can get going there. Curious if anyone has some better ideas.
Ditto all the comments, awesome article
Good post, 3D. Last night's game was the first game this season, that I saw the Warriors come together, fight hard both on offense and defense and didn't rely on a comeback win and miracle shooting. Green played like a well oiled machine. Almost a triple D but I was especially impressed with his D, and forceful attack on the basket. He even hit 2 FTs near the close of the game. Wiseman, although fouling out, looked terrific in his short stint. There was no clumsiness or wondering what he should do on his face. This is a great sign for things that I hope to see more consistently for the rest of the season. While they still have bouts of poor shooting, the main problem of Oubre's seems to be gone for the most part. He's become a valuable part of the team and is a special player.
Just wanted to give a shout out to Sabonis. A highly gifted athlete and player who is one of the special talents in the NBA. He is blessed with an Oubre-like motor and physique that allows him to be as mobile as they come. His dad never had that quality and to watch him running the floor is a sight to behold. As strong as they come. Indiana has a great big man tandem in Sabonis and Turner. They are good to go for years...............plus, TJ Warren and Lavert, who are out. This is a future powerhouse team.
GSOM seems pretty anti-Draymond nowadays. I see a lot of shots at him, subtle or not
Awesome article, D-cube. Me thinks your articles is reaching another level, as are Dubs.
In the same tweet thread, Shane Young has Warriors at #5 in NERTG over last 15 games!!
Here is the full Dray interview video:
https://youtu.be/Zow0BYHC5rE
Did Green’s comments feel a lot like positive reinforcement after a good couple defensive games by Curry? Felt like Green had that ready to go as soon as Steph put some good D out there.
Great article! I was only able to listen on the radio, so that first video of the 2-man game between Curry and Draymond is a revelation!