Warriors: Stephen Curry must take advantage of Portland’s defense
The Golden State Warriors were given a gift in Game 1 as the Portland Trail Blazers sagged off Stephen Curry in the pick and roll. For the foreseeable future, Curry must take advantage.
Stephen Curry has largely struggled for the Golden State Warriors in this year’s playoffs.
After a 38 point, 15 rebound performance back in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Doc Rivers emphasized trapping Curry whenever he had the ball in his hands. It worked wonders not only for the Clippers but the Houston Rockets as well.
Both series went to six games, but both times Golden State prevailed.
You would assume the Portland Trail Blazers would replicate the same defensive formula, albeit with less capable defensive personnel.
Especially with Kevin Durant sidelined to start the series, it’s not rocket science to know that you must do everything and anything to get the ball out of Stephen Curry’s hands.
Looks like Portland didn’t get the memo, or perhaps they didn’t want to. The Trail Blazers did the exact opposite and paid the price in Game 1.
Stephen Curry erupted for 36 points on 9-15 shooting from beyond the arc.
It was just the third instance of Curry making five or more threes in thirteen playoff games so far. Granted, having to play Enes Kanter creates a liability for Portland on the defensive end, but that still is no excuse for giving Curry open “layups” from three.
But in the playoffs where every possession counts, Golden State will gladly take what’s thrown their way, especially if it grants them an advantage.
If Portland is wise, they’ll change their defensive scheme from Game 2 onwards to trap Curry at a moment’s notice. Yet if they don’t, the Warriors and Curry should be prepared to exploit this decision.
On the pick and roll, if Kanter or any other big chooses to sag off the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry should have no hesitation to let it fly from downtown. Without Durant in the rotation, Steph has a green light to enact a three-point barrage.
If the big choose to come up on Curry, by all means, use the quickness to blow by for a layup in the paint or better yet, dish out an assist and make a play.
Ever since the sidelining of Durant, the Stephen Curry-Draymond Green pick and roll has been used to perfection, and its made defenses pay. When used efficiently, the result is usually the ball finding its way in the basket.
With the Rockets behind them, the Warriors are a matchup advantage against Portland. Their last looming threat is effectively out East. Golden State and Curry should exploit any opportunity placed in front of them, with a sweep as a realistic goal.
dark. Next. No KD, no problem for Dubs in Game 1
Get Portland out of the way quickly, giving Durant and DeMarcus Cousins the best opportunity possible to return at full strength for an NBA Finals that will begin on the road.