The Golden State Warriors have looked pretty much invincible over the past three months, confidently putting away every opponent they’ve faced. Their regular season dominance has caused many to adopt the mindset that the 2015 NBA Championship is the Warriors to lose, and judging from their performances, it’s not hard to see why.
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And yet, after last night’s loss, the San Antonio Spurs reminded people that the road to championship glory won’t be as clear cut as some fans make it out to be.
The Spurs became the first team to defeat the Warriors twice this season, and they might just end the season as the only team to do so (Memphis and Denver could yet join the Spurs on the list). Coach Greg Popovich proved again that his system works, that their early and mid-season malaise was just temporary, and one-upped his mentee – Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr.
But what makes the Spurs so deadly against the Warriors?
Apr 5, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry(30) drives to the basket past San Antonio Spurs point guard
Tony Parker(behind) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors’ best player is undoubtedly Stephen Curry. Curry’s ability as three-point scorer is well-known now in the league, and he affects opposing defenses with and without the ball. Off-the-ball, he forces defenses to take note of his position, and forces his defender to weigh the risk of helping his teammates against Curry receiving an open shot. Curry is also the dominant ball-handler for the Warriors, frequently initiating and calling out plays.
Meanwhile, the Spurs’ best player is Kawhi Leonard. The reigning Finals MVP, Leonard is best known for his defensive prowess on the perimeter. With quickness, large and quick hands, length, and size, Leonard is the physical embodiment of a near-perfect perimeter defender – strong enough to cover small forwards, quick enough to defend guards.
And when those two players meet, they cancel each other out.
Last night, Curry was harassed to a 9-of-17 shooting performance. He shot 5-of-10 from behind the arc (which is considered impressive for others, but “just another day in the office” for Curry), but had four turnovers to six assists. His impact was limited, as Leonard was a real thorn in Curry’s side for most of the game. The rest of the Warriors shot poorly, and much of that could be attributed to the fact that Curry’s presence was somewhat nullified.
Leonard recorded seven steals on his way to an impressive defensive performance. Leonard’s size is what troubles Curry the most. Curry, who is slight of frame, finds it hard to drive against Leonard, and isn’t going to win a strength contest anytime soon. Leonard’s large hands also make it hard for Curry to create separation with his quick ball-handling, and even the most dynamic ball handlers find it hard going up against Leonard’s persistent defense.
The Spurs are also masters on the offensive end. Their system uses multiple screens, off the ball cuts, and frequent ball movement to create great offensive looks. The Warriors’ defence wasn’t able to get going last night, and they typically thrive from feasting on fast break points. The Spurs won last night’s battle, scoring 17 to the Warriors’ 14.
The Spurs also outclassed the Warriors on defense. They stifled the Warriors’ shooting, and limited their starters’ scoring. The only starter that made a three-point field goal was Curry, as Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson missed all nine of their combined attempts.
Apr 5, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard
Cory Joseph(5) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
But, the good news is that it’s not all doom and gloom for the Dubs.
This was just another regular season matchup, and one that held no real significance for the Warriors. The starters played well under their season averages for minutes, and the team was without Shaun Livingston (arguably their second-best defender on the bench). The Warriors were dominant the last time the two teams met, so it’s not to say that the Spurs have the Warriors’ number.
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The lesson the team should have learnt from last night’s shellacking was Leonard’s impact on Curry. Moving forward, the team’s offense will have to find ways to limit his impact, and create schemes to free Curry. Perhaps this includes more movement off-screens, or utilising Curry more regularly off-the-ball.
The Spurs may have won last night’s battle, but the war is far from over. If the two teams meet in the playoffs, you can be sure that it will be a playoff series to remember.