Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By Rohan Borges
More Good: Dario Saric
The synergy between Dario Saric and Chris Paul is automatic, and their chemistry has carried over from their time together in Phoenix. Saric only suited up for 37 games for the Suns last season before he was traded to Oklahoma City, but he looked good in his 20 games with the Thunder and the Golden State front office identified the Croatian as a perfect fit for their fluid offensive system.
The 6’10 forward, like most big men in recent Warrior history, is undersized for the center position, but he is a sneaky three-level threat on offense. Saric is nimble for someone with his frame, and his ability to handle the basketball allows for him to serve as a connector out on the perimeter.
Both Saric and Kevon Looney relentlessly crashed the offensive glass, keeping multiple possessions alive with extra effort, and Dario especially impressed on the defensive end of the floor. Phoenix continued to target the eight-year veteran in screening actions, looking to expose him on an island, but Saric held his own and even turned back a couple of shots at the rim.
Moses Moody and Gary Payton II provided some quality minutes defensively for Golden State, fueling a mini second-quarter comeback and forcing a handful of turnovers in their limited minutes. At full strength, the Dubs project to be a top 10 defense, and the addition of Draymond Green will make life a lot easier at that end of the floor.