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3 Reasons Golden State Warriors can upset someone in NBA Playoffs

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react after a play in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on May 06, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors react after a play in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on May 06, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Golden State Warriors are versatile defensively

Many thought the loss of Klay Thompson would have an equally negative effect on the Golden State Warriors’ defense as their offense. While this has mostly been true, I think the Dubs have surprised everyone with how quality their defensive effort has been all season long.

The Dubs made it a point of emphasis to buff their wing defense in the absence of Thompson. Players like Kelly Oubre, Andrew Wiggins, Damion Lee, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Kent Bazemore and Eric Paschall all have freakishly long arms that help the Warriors shrink the floor for opponents.

Even so, all the length in the world doesn’t mean anything if there isn’t a loud, energetic driving force pushing them forward… ever heard of Draymond Green? Green, to no surprise, has been fueling the fire for one of the most underrated defensive squads in the NBA.

The Dubs hold a top-five defense this season. The reason for this can easily be explained by their versatility. With numerous players that can effectively defend multiple positions, it is hard to put the Warriors in a position they aren’t comfortable in.

Had it not been for an injury to James Wiseman (and his overall inexperience as a rookie), this Warriors team would truly have no weaknesses defensively. Now, their only gap is in the paint, where they are a bit undersized.

Nevertheless, if the Warriors find themselves squaring off against perimeter-oriented teams like Phoenix or Utah in round one, they’ll feel confident in their wing defense to fend off the top-tier teams in the West.

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