Golden State Warriors: Ranking Their Most Efficient Lineup Combinations

Nov 4, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Warriors defeated the Sixers 110-90. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lineup: T. Douglas – D. Green – J. O’Neal – M. Speights – K. Thompson
Minutes: 15, OffRtg: 65.7, DefRtg: 53, NetRtg: 12.7, Starters: 1

Lineup data is so interesting because you can start to understand a coach’s plan when certain lineups show up more frequently. This lineup, before Douglas and O’Neal went down, is the concrete unit that Mark Jackson uses during the second quarter to spell most of the starters. The thought processes behind the lineup make sense. Let’s put three, or four, defensive minded players on the floor and let one shooter have a green light. That shooter is Klay Thompson.

I always thought this would be a great role for Thompson. He would be given every possible scoring opportunity, not having to worry about getting Curry and Iguodala their required volume of shooting work. So, the defense has kept up its end of the deal. Why is the OffRtg so low?

As perfect a role this is for Thompson, he still shows a lack of assertiveness to demand the ball and create his own shot on a regular basis. At this point of his career, he can drive to the basket to create space for mid range jumpers; but he cannot create his own shot for a three like Curry. His three-point attempts are mostly reliant on catch-and-shot opportunities created by his teammates. With Douglas being less of an opportunity creator than Curry, it’s more difficult for Klay to get open looks and the offense tends to stagnate.

Luckily, with a NetRtg above 10, this lineup’s defense has been impressive playing against second units. This group is designed to hold the line while the majority of the starters get rest. So far they have done their job.