The Golden State Warriors’ heavily anticipated first round match-up will be against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans, as they squeaked out the eighth seed after defeating the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in a must-win game.
Many were debating on whether the Pelicans or the Oklahoma City Thunder was the better first round match-up for the Dubs. Though it’s incredibly difficult to play in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, without Durant the Pelicans are the team the Warriors should be more worried about.
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Jrue Holliday is active and healthy after sitting out for a chunk of the season, and the three-point specialist Ryan Anderson will be ready to go. Eric Gordon has stretched the floor well for the Pelicans with his ability to connect from long distance, and Tyreke Evans is a force, having himself one of the better seasons of his career.
Notwithstanding, the one player to be extremely concerned about is All-Star Anthony Davis. He averaged 24 points a game along with 10 boards and inevitably led the league in blocked shots. The way he’s developed his game at 22-years-old is astonishing, particularly on the offensive side of the floor, for his length has remained a legitimate problem since he entered the NBA.
Apr 7, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Warriors 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no “stopping” a player like Davis, but containing a superstar is always practicable. Davis’ range offensively from 20 feet in creates match-up problems with most bigs his size. He’s 6-foot-10 yet has tremendous ball skills and willingly shoots the mid-range jumper. He isn’t much of a post-up player due to his physique, but he can take it to the basket off the dribble like an off-guard or a small forward. In a nut-shell, he’s a load to handle.
Who should defend one of the league’s best offensive forces? I believe there’s an easy answer to that, and it’s a candidate for defensive player of the year, Draymond Green.
Green has the foot-work and agility to hang with a speedster like Davis around the perimeter, primarily where Davis prefers to catch the ball before making his move. Green has quick hands and feet, which leads to a lot of blocks and steals. Andrew Bogut is a terrific paint protector, so as long as Green can handle Davis around the perimeter, he can force him to Bogut when he decides to enter the key.
Dec 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after scoring in overtime of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 128-122 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Also, Green is a high-energy player and is incredibly pesky. If he can get under Davis’ skin a little and alter his psychology on the floor, he’s already winning. I wouldn’t recommend Bogut defending Davis much, because if he has one weakness defensively, it’s outside the paint against quick bigs that can shoot. That’s precisely Davis’ game; he is very quick to the basket and shoots a beautiful mid-range jumper.
All in all, Davis is going to make superb plays and get his double-doubles throughout the series. But, as long as Green can limit him from being the most dominant player on the floor, the Warriors should be content.