Golden State Warriors Free-Flow Meets Grizzlies Grit and Grind
On Sunday afternoon, the Golden State Warriors will continue their quest for a championship when they take on the grit and grind Memphis Grizzlies.
This matchup features two completely different styles of basketball between two of the elite teams in the West. The Warriors run a free-flowing offense that involves ball movement and lethal shooting, whereas the Grizzlies’ offensive philosophy is predicated on the post-up game and slowing down the game. Both franchises have been very successful with their styles and both will be put to the test in this Western Conference Semifinal matchup.
The Warriors offense is dependent on ball movement and it all starts with their superstar, Stephen Curry. Curry is the best point guard in the league because of his balanced offensive skills. He is an incredible shooter, creative passer and mesmerizing ball handler but unlike most superstar guards, he is not a ball hog. He knows if he gives the ball up, his teammates will find him for a scoring opportunity. He trusts his teammates because the Warriors have a number of players that are great passers, which include the frontcourt, Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut.
Much of the Warriors offense is run through Bogut because like Curry, he has amazing court vision. He finds teammates constantly cutting to the basket for easy layups and dunks and when the double team comes to the post, he will find shooters for open threes. On top of all that, he is among the best at setting screens in the NBA, which is vital for a sharp shooting team like the Warriors, giving them uncontested shots.
Green is also is a very willing passer but most of his assists come in transition, another vital part of the Warriors’ offense. Green, the pseudo Defensive Player of the Year, is an incredible defender who is constantly deflecting passes and shots, leading to transition and fast break basketball where the Splash Brothers are most lethal. It is no accident that Warriors lead the league in assists, fast break points, shooting percentage and point differential. However, it is not just because their offense is so free-flowing, but it is also their defense that makes them a viable contender.
Dec 16, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) looks to pass as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and forward Draymond Green (23) defend at FedExForum. Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Grizzlies will try to score on this defense with their grit and grind offense. Unlike the Warriors, the Grizzlies rely on their big men in the post. Led by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA, the Grizzlies will try to punish the Warriors in the paint. The only problem with their offense strategy is the Warriors have two of the best post defenders in the NBA, Bogut and Green.
Gasol usually dominates in the post because he is usually larger and quicker than his opponents but in this matchup, Bogut is just as big maybe even bigger and has excellent timing when it comes to taking charges or blocking shots.
Randolph will also have his hands full in the post because Green is the most physical defender there and despite his height, is a great shot contester. Randolph does not have the quickest release which plays right into Green’s hands.
So even though the Grizzlies have succeeded this season with post play, they will need their wings and guards to step up if they want to make this a competitive series. The only problem is that their point guard, Mike Conley, is doubtful for the first two games of the series and his status is unclear for the rest of the series. Conley, like Curry, is essential to the Grizzlies’ offense and defense.
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Without him, the Grizzlies lose outside shooting and a playmaker that makes everyone else better. On defense, they lose an elite point guard defender that can limit Curry’s offensive game.
Now the Grizzlies must put Tony Allen on Curry, another elite defender, which frees up Klay Thompson, who has absolutely dominated Memphis with his three-point prowess. Thompson averaged 31 points per game while shooting 62 percent from the field and a ridiculous 18 of 24 from three-point range against Memphis. Those stats may be a little skewed because Allen did not play in every game, but if he has to guard Curry, expect more of the same from Thompson.
In a battle with a free-flowing offense against a slow-it-down, post-up offense, the free-flowing offense should come out on top. The Warriors shooting prowess should be too much for the Grizzlies to handle and when the Grizzlies combat that with their post-up offense, the Warriors should have an answer for that as well. This series will be very physical but the Warriors’ high powered offense and stout defense should make it a short one.
Prediction: Warriors in five.
Next: Warriors Possess Huge Backcourt Advantage Over Grizzlies