Blue Man Hoop
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3 adjustments Warriors can make in Game 3 vs Clippers

By Ryan Ocenada

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Andre Iguodala #9 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors walk off the court after they lost to the LA Clippers during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Andre Iguodala #9 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors walk off the court after they lost to the LA Clippers during Game Two of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dubs MUST stop Lou Williams

Lou Williams is the Clippers’ offense.

He is a clever ball-handler adept at drawing contact and finding teammates for good shots. Sweet Lou may not be in the Clippers’ starting lineup, but he is by far their best offensive weapon.

Williams and his tag team partner off the bench, Montrezl Harrell, combine to make a devastating duo in the pick and roll. The pair was the engine that powered the Clippers’ comeback in Game 2.

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So far in the series, the Warriors have been content to try and contain Williams when he comes off a screen, but he is too smart and skilled for that coverage. The Warriors could try blitzing Williams as soon as he uses a screen in an attempt to get the ball out of his hands before he can cause havoc in the paint.

This strategy does leave the back line of the Warriors’ defense a bit vulnerable, but no other Clipper has proven to be a consistent playmaker from the perimeter. The Warriors need to dare somebody other than Williams to beat them.

The Warriors could also try to get more aggressive in their ball denial against Williams. The Clippers guard is less of a threat as a spot-up shooter, so the Warriors should make every effort to keep the ball out of his hands.

Possibly, the most important thing the Warriors need to keep in mind is to stay disciplined when guarding Williams. Defenders need to resist the urge to reach in because Williams has a James Harden-like ability to draw contact and get to the free throw line.

Williams is too skilled and smart to not score points in bunches, but if the Warriors can try to limit his effectiveness, the Clippers’ offense will sputter.

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