Golden State Warriors’ death lineup will be tested
By Tony Pesta
What originally felt like a grand slam for the Golden State Warriors is now starting to look a bit more questionable. The death lineup featuring Jordan Poole, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green began to struggle against Denver — and will be tested even more in round two.
The quick-hitting trio of guards made sense against a lumbering Nuggets team. Forcing Nikola Jokic, a masterful player and MVP, to play fast-paced against crafty guards was something that would always push Denver out of their comfort zone.
However, the Nuggets began to adjust after Game 3. Aaron Gordan drew the task of defending Jordan Poole and managed to use his length to disrupt one of the league’s brightest young stars. Poole shot just 6-of-20 (30%) from the field in Games 4-5 after shooting 22-of-42 (52%) in the first three games.
The Warriors were able to advance despite hitting a speedbump against Denver. Facing Memphis, though, will be a brand new challenge.
The Grizzlies will provide a much tougher challenge for the Golden State Warriors’ death lineup than Denver was capable of.
For starters, the Grizzlies are a better defensive team. Perimeter defenders like Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks will hold up much better than anyone on the Nuggets’ roster while Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke offer protection in the paint.
Ja Morant will not be making an impact on defense but he will be a handful for the undermanned Warriors’ backcourt. There isn’t a player on the Dubs who can match Morant’s speed and containing his drives to the paint will be easier said than done.
The Warriors find themselves going up against a team that is better equipped to stunt the death lineups’ efficiency and a team that is just as capable of scoring at a high rate. The path through Memphis will not be as easy as it was against the depleted Nuggets.