Here are five more adjustments the Golden State Warriors should make in Game 5.
Win and you live to see another day. Lose and you go home. It’s that simple.
The Golden State Warriors will look to force a Game 6 back in Oklahoma City. Never mind the fact that the Warriors have been obliterated in their last two trips to the Chesapeake Energy Arena, they just want the opportunity. In order to do that, they need to switch something up in Game 5 in front of their home crowd.
So far, nothing has worked. Coach of the year Steve Kerr is playing checkers while Thunder coach Billy Donovan is playing chess. OKC is several steps ahead, countering every Warriors move. The Thunder have seamlessly transitioned from going big to bully Golden State to going small to beat them at their own game.
The Warriors, on the other hand, look to be out of tricks. Throughout the season, Kerr kept a case that said “break glass in case of emergency.” He’d smash it and out game the Death Lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes, and Draymond Green. The lineup was like bringing a rocket launcher to a knife fight. It would take over games instantly, regardless of opponent.
Golden State has used used the Death Lineup and it just hasn’t worked. OKC has gone “small” with a seven footer in Kevin Durant playing a big position. They’ve tried to play Curry on and off ball. Neither have worked. The offense has been unrecognizable and the defense is in shambles.
The Warriors need to change something. Here are five more adjustments they could (and probably should) make.
Next: Familiar Change