The Golden State Warriors did it together as their constantly shifting defense made it nearly impossible for the Dallas Mavericks to settle into a rhythm.
Steve Kerr wasted no time throwing the kitchen sink at Dallas. In the first half, Luka Doncic was forced to battle multiple defenders as well as different defensive schemes such as a zone, box-and-one and various pick-and-roll coverages.
The Golden State Warriors deployed a number of strategies to defeat the Dallas Mavericks, showing their unparalleled defensive versatility.
Behind Hurclean efforts from Kevon Looney, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, Otto Porter and Draymond Green, Doncic’s impact was blunted all night long. He finished with just 20 points, the third-lowest of his playoff career.
The game plan for Golden State was obvious. They placed a heavy emphasis on keeping Dallas out of the paint, forcing them into the teeth of the defense and scrambling on the perimeter to contest 3-point shots.
While this resulted in a staggering amount of 3-point attempts for Dallas (48), the Dubs were fortunate to avoid a barrage from deep. This is the poison Golden State seems to be picking, playing with the assumption that the Mavericks’ supporting cast will not outshoot them in a seven-game series.
As for the Warriors’ offense, much of the damage was done in the paint. Golden State scored 46 points in the paint and managed to bury timely, momentum-shifting 3-pointers despite shooting just 10-29 from deep as a team.
Few teams can utilize so many different strategies on defense. But with hyper versatile defenders all across the roster, Golden State can ensure Doncic and the Mavs never ease into a consistent plan of attack.
This doesn’t mean the rest of the series will be easy. Jason Kidd is sure to adjust and find solutions for the Warriors’ defense. Nonetheless, for every move the Mavs make, Golden State appears to be more than equipped to respond.