Golden State Warriors' Defensive Evolution Still Influencing NBA Strategies
It was nearly a decade ago when the Golden State Warriors, a team on the cusp of basketball greatness, revolutionized the NBA's defensive strategies. Their innovative approach during the 2015 postseason laid the foundation for their transformation into a basketball dynasty. This seminal shift still reverberates in the league today, illustrating the lasting impact of their strategic genius.
Back in 2015, the Warriors faced the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the playoffs. The Grizzlies, known for their grit and grind style, proved to be a formidable opponent, taking a 2-1 series lead against Golden State. Faced with the possibility of an early postseason exit, the Warriors made a strategic adjustment that would become a hallmark of their subsequent success.
Golden State’s coach, Steve Kerr, devised a bold defensive maneuver involving Andrew Bogut, the team's imposing center. Bogut was assigned the task of guarding Tony Allen, the Grizzlies' shooting guard known more for his defensive prowess than his offensive skills. Allen carried a career average of just 28.2% from beyond the arc, which the Warriors exploited to their advantage.
By daring Allen to shoot from long range, Kerr effectively neutralized his impact on the court. The results were immediate and telling; Allen's minutes dwindled from nearly 35 per game to about 21 over the last three games of the series. This defensive tweak allowed the Warriors to rally back and ultimately vanquish the Grizzlies, setting the stage for their first NBA championship under Kerr.
The ripple effects of this tactical choice have been felt throughout the league ever since. Other teams have adopted similar strategies, adjusting their defensive posture to limit the strengths of certain opponents while promoting their weaknesses. The strategic shift that began with the Warriors in 2015 continues to serve as a blueprint for successful NBA defenses.
In more recent times, the Memphis Grizzlies found themselves embroiled in another three-point barrage, this time at the hands of Jrue Holiday. In a game against the Grizzlies, Holiday attempted an astonishing 17 three-pointers, marking a career-high for the seasoned guard. Previously, he had never shot more than 13 from beyond the arc in a single game.
Jaren Jackson Jr., known for his defensive capabilities, was tasked with guarding Holiday during this barrage. Despite Jackson's efforts, Holiday managed to sink only 4 out of his 17 attempts, illustrating both the high-risk nature of relying on the three-point shot and the challenge of opposing defenses adjusting in real-time.
While the Warriors continue to influence defensive strategies across the NBA, the Boston Celtics have been busy redefining offensive efficiency. Last year, the Celtics boasted the most efficient offense in NBA history. This season, they are poised to take more three-pointers than two-point shots, emphasizing the league's ongoing shift toward perimeter shooting.
The Celtics have enjoyed a scoring rate slightly above 1.2 points per possession this season, demonstrating their offensive potency. However, they recently faced a setback against the Grizzlies, who triumphed in Boston, showcasing their capability to grind out victories against even the most prolific offenses.
Jrue Holiday, since joining Milwaukee before the 2020-21 season, has been a beacon of consistency from beyond the arc, shooting over 40% on three-pointers. Last season, he converted 42.4% of his open three-point attempts. Although his shooting this season on wide-open threes has dipped to 35.8%, his reputation as a clutch shooter remains unscathed.
As the league evolves, the strategies pioneered by the Warriors endure. Teams continue to adapt and innovate, with each game offering an opportunity to witness the blend of strategy, skill, and tenacity that defines professional basketball. The league’s trajectory remains aligned with the principles established nearly a decade ago, underscoring the Golden State Warriors' lasting legacy in reshaping NBA strategy.