Feb 22, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates after a three-point shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
1. Lineup: S. Curry – D. Green – A. Iguodala – D. Lee – K. Thompson
Minutes: 16, OffRtg: 137.7, DefRtg: 75.1, NetRtg: 62.6, Starters: 4
If that NetRtg looks insanely high, you are right. This lineup boasts the second highest NetRtg of any qualifying lineup in the league. Basically, if this lineup was trotted out for 100 possessions, they would win by about 63 points, on average. Expecting this torrid efficiency to continue would be crazy; but there are encouraging — though early — observations about this lineup.
Draymond Green has improved his shot. He has become a player that cannot be left alone behind the three-point line. With these five players on the court, I wish any team luck in trying to put out a lineup where everyone must defensively extend to 17-feet and still be able to rebound. The ball moves fluidly and most plays result in an open look.
Green has become less of a liability on offense so he can be kept on the court to be a force defensively. Now there are three legitimate wing stoppers who can help hide more defensively deficient players in Stephen Curry and David Lee.
Since Harrison Barnes missed time in the beginning of the season, it will be interesting to see if he slides into Green’s spot in this lineup. Then it will be intriguing to see which is more effective: Harrison’s added playmaking or Green’s scrappy defense.