Why no one guards Steph Curry this way | NBA Finals Game 4 analysis

Why has Steph Curry put up such huge scoring numbers in the NBA Finals against the Celtics? How has this series differed from his previous appearances in the NBA Finals? This film room study details Boston's defensive coverage against Curry pick-and-rolls, and how Curry was able to explode for 43 points and 7 3-pointers in Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, along with a crucial offense-defense substation strategy from Steve Kerr down the stretch.
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Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
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Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@LEGO-fu2tc]

So basically the Celtics took the "shut everyone else down and make Curry try to beat you single-handedly" route, and Curry actually did it

[@familiasosa6379]

Not in game 5

[@landonr.536]

@@familiasosa6379ehh, in game 5 he just missed easy 3s he normally makes. Yes the Celtics definitely played him with more pressure in comparison to the rest of the series. Smart playing him from half court, occasionally trapping his high pick n roll etc. but he still missed shots he usually drains. Yet there was the problem the Celtics faced. You either shut off curry (as well as you can anyway) and let the warriors play 4-3 on the backside or a drop coverage which is a no no. They chose wrong, and that was the result.

[@davewang202]

@@landonr.536 I'm not sure they chose wrong. That is, I'm not sure there was a right choice for them. 🤣

[@landonr.536]

@@davewang202 yeah, that’s the beauty with Steph. Even when you (slow him down) it’s still an advantage for the warriors. Perks of having a great team around him.

[@lukasagapovas3376]

Fcuk Curry... speaking in terms of a vacuum manner.. the dude is used toilet paper 😂

[@MrPlow-jc4cr]

It's remarkable how many "analysts" see Curry getting doubled and passing to the open roller and then assume his lower scoring numbers are a result of choking, lack of aggressiveness, etc. And now that he's facing the kind of drop defenses that he eviscerated in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, suddenly he's worthy of being "the man". So many of these people make millions of dollars and don't even realize why a guy is passing vs. scoring. Thanks as always for your expert breakdowns, Ben!

[@cain948]

Those are haters cause they don't want the players they're rooting for get eclipse by Steph!! No matter how good you are haters will hate!! I'm talking about Skip!! And i will never name the others!! Everyone know who they are!!

[@astrocade9541]

It’s willful ignorance. You don’t even need to seriously analyze the game to see that’s what’s happening. They just like running with that narrative

[@phatch5444]

na they assume he choked in 2016

[@Alex-op4ty]

They just read the stat sheets, yell about "hustle" and "wanting it more" and somehow get paid millions of dollars for it

[@Chessbox09]

The sad thing is, you don’t even need to be an analyst to pick up on this. All you have to do is watch the games, it’s quite obvious. That being said, these ‘analysts”, make their money by divisive narratives. I think most of them realize this, but that isn’t their real agenda.

[@pipolchamp8205]

no cap, your breakdowns are the most detailed and easiest to understand out of all breakdown channels.

[@imwhatyouyoucallaballsack6205]

Him and BBallbreakdown are my favorite

[@thisismychannel4174]

everyone agrees with this comment

[@RezBlair]

check athletic alchemy.

[@bbell8774]

A1

[@tz6927]

100

[@kevinandrewsphoto]

Wow I feel so stupid when I watch your breakdowns because it makes so much sense. Draymond isn’t “choking” necessarily. But Celtics playing drop coverage removes 90% of Drays offensive game. Being the roll man looking for the open guy. So a team can either trap Steph and risk Draymond dishing the ball all over the court and get the whole team going. Or play drop coverage and hope Steph can’t beat you alone.

[@anonymousl5150]

Draymond is choking. Dude gave up on wide open layups all playoffs and had one last game. His 4 vs 3 game is highly overrated, almost any half decent NBA player could occupy that role but they don't have the luxury of Steph drawing 2 defenders. He is a complete liability half the times forcing his team to play 4 vs 5 basketball. GSW used to have him as the primary playmaker but his turnovers (caused by his lack of offensive skills leading to easy anticipations of passing) has forced Curry into a more dominant ball handling role. Almost all of Draymond's assists this series isn't due to some high IQ passing they are due to Steph pulling 2 defenders and the others setting a solid screen. Defensively he can't rebound over Rob, in fact Wiggins and Looney are outrebounding him on less minutes. He has less field goals made than turnovers and personal fouls. GSW clearly showed they do not need him to win. We have seen this all playoffs where GSW improves with Draymond on the bench and go all out on spacing with less turnovers. Even defensively they have been far better without him.

[@lik7953]

@@anonymousl5150 I don’t think any player could occupy that role. How do I know this? Well when James harden in Houston was trapped, Eric Gordon and PJ tucker could not execute the 4 on 3 as effectively as draymond. Draymond, while a shit scorer, is quite good at passing and running the offense.

[@darylpogi77rogelio57]

@@anonymousl5150 dray is choking because its part of udokas scheme. Hes taking away drays passing and letting curry shoot. Is it worth it??? The series is tied so maybe. If dray is taken out because of his shitty scoring then u take away the core of the warriors defense so for me its a good gamble. Ill take udokas side thats a nba coach rather some random dude who just watches highlights and replays who doesnt even understand the game

[@benrinehart7776]

OP I agree. The Celtics D is taking away Green’s offensive value. Which is in recognition of how big of a threat Green is. But Green’s defense is still wonderful

[@anonymousl5150]

@@lik7953 Rockets did not make the necessary adjustments around Harden doubles. You think it is hard to read GP2 or Iguodala coming from the corner 3 for a lob? Because that is what this Curry 4 vs 3 action leads to 80% of the time. Again look at the last possession of the game. Draymond was on a 4 vs 3 after a Curry double. He has White trailing him. Horford barely pays attention to Draymond but Looney uses the left hand to finish it. This did not require some outrageous passing vision. If that were Kuminga he probably would have gotten Horford to step up closer and it would have been even easier for Looney.

[@armin38822]

game 4 off the 2022 finals is one off the best games I've ever watched and I've watched about 90 % off all the playoffs games since 2013

[@joesonepis8538]

Desame 2015 nba finals

[@lukamagicgod]

2013 finals series is great. 2016 finals game 7 great. 2021 has some great series in the finals too. I cant recall every playoff games but i think yeah game 4 is great.

[@linhe6729]

Definitely one of the best and I’ve been watching since 1996. The game has changed so much

[@wrbk19]

Game 6 WCF in 2016 was nutty too.

[@MrShishi]

2016 NBA finals was the best i"ve watched, Probably bc i am a celtic fan and the joy i felt to see cavs win was almost like my own team winning.

[@back2back379]

last year when Trae was going off against Drop Coverages, I was telling people any good guard in the league who can shoot would go off against the way Trae was being defended. I said a guy like Steph would average 30+ on way higher efficiency, and kids would be like "Nuh Uh!" Well, we see what he's doing against the best defense in the league, against the DPOY, on the biggest stage.

[@jona.scholt4362]

As awesome as Curry was last night I thought Wiggins did a ton to keep them in the game in the late 3rd and early 4th when they were chasing Boston's lead. His rebounding and scoring kept them in striking range

[@piripiao245]

Consistently the 2nd best player on the Warriors! Dude has been an absolute blessing

[@forgivezharion6989]

Ratio + yb better + nobody cares + this u🤓🤓👨🏼‍💻👨🏼‍💻👶🏽

[@vladirackpubama6785]

@@forgivezharion6989 funny 😐

[@dusk6159]

On top of not doubling Curry because of Wiggins (and that's just his offense, he's another free Klay on defense for the Warriors) BOTH on the glass and on the kick-out, I would add Looney on the glass, the roll, Klay on the kick-out, Porter too, Poole on the drive too etc. This team is a threat.

[@rzlb5]

True but what will happen when Curry does not play as awesome as he did last night? I could not ask Curry to do more than what he did. Wiggins, Klay & Poole still have not made a BIG splash in the final, they need to do better to seal the game.

[@cousin_chet]

I just want to give Steve Kerr some love. That man should be considered among the ranks of coaching elite.

[@auntiraf1711]

he’s a great coach but i think everyone was asking for draymond to be benched 🤣

[@dusk6159]

Isn't Kerr already that? He better be!

[@hkc4706]

kerr is top 15 greatest nba coach ever so he is acknowledged as such

[@bonomboni5083]

I've always think Kerr is overated. He is riding on his top players. Without curry and dreymond Kerr is just a mediocre. Sure he knows a thing or two abouy basketball. But no, he isn't as great as warriors been. Picture glimpse of him coaching other team as Luke Walton did to Lakers and Kings.

[@cousin_chet]

@@bonomboni5083 I disagree with your comparison. To use your same logic, Phil Jackson wasn’t a good coach because he had good players. Pop wasn’t an all time great because he had Good players. Sorry, I can’t co-sign on that logic. Kerr is a team player with a role players mentality. He finds the right players and works with their skills to win championships. That’s what great coaches do. The man won championships playing next to MJ and has coached championships with the best 3 shooter to play the game. Along with Steph, they have revolutionized the game.

[@Johnny-xj5qu]

When people point to Currys assist totals as evidence he’s not a complete PG, I laugh at their lack of understanding. When trapped at 30 ft, you don’t get the assist, you get the hockey assist. Also, he many times isn’t the primary ball handler bringing it up court every time. These factors shave off assist numbers, but his overall impact is far greater than a John Stockton could ever dream of being…it’s not even close. Steph is complete, he is a PG, and he’s a human nightmare for defenses

[@itsonsight3574]

crazy glaze

[@AirmatiJin]

@@itsonsight3574you say that but he isn’t wrong.

[@kodalycat906]

Best "combo" guard ever...and the best PG after Magic.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Thanks for giving Wiggins the love. He really deserves credit for his hard work, which didn't show up in stats, but made all the difference.

[@utryping]

It definitely showed up in the stats

[@donaldpriola1807]

@@utryping Yep! Rebounds especially. I wish people appreciated defense and rebounding more. But on this channel, the do!

[@kobe248ryant]

Team will the most rebounds normally wins, just like game 3.

[@donaldpriola1807]

@@kobe248ryant "Board man gets paid."

[@cameronsmith9909]

Boston's problem is chucking up 3's when they get down in the 4th. Game 1 was crazy but no one will replicate that again.

[@brianbirnbaum9760]

This is what gave me hope after game 1. Boston shot the lights out. I was like, okay, if they do that three more times they deserve it, but I don’t think they can.

[@dusk6159]

Their management of their offense in the fourth was indeed absolutely shameful, especially for what good they did up to that point.

[@iatwiatw]

Yep. Smart in particular should be a biiiit more like Draymond and use his speed and passing to scramble the defense instead of settling for a three when there’s still so much time left to play. The Warriors are taking the opposite approach compared to Boston, clamping down on Tatum and having Klay glued to Brown, daring the rest of the Celtics to beat them. White and Horford got hot in game 1, but Smart has the most potential to confuse and demoralize the Warriors defense. Draymond can and should do the same though. Ben is right that the single coverage on Curry takes away some of Draymond’s playmaking, but the least he can do is cut and commit to a few drives. In game 4, it was sooooo obvious that he was going to pass whenever he got the ball. He would pick up the ball immediately. At least post up or jog around. Just do something to make the Celtics think.

[@ZChoate]

@@brianbirnbaum9760 but they don't need to.

[@wolvesbane1748]

Ppl actually thought horford was gonna put up a performance like tht again...and I was like look at u casual ass muhfuckas...really and truly golden state should have won game 1 and 3 I'm ngl

[@maklyram]

It’s easy to overlook Klay, because of that iconic performance from Curry, but Klay’s clutch defensive plays in the 4th was simply AMAZING. His contribution in the defensive end was crucial to this W.

[@mikekn7033]

You’re absolutely correct

[@dennisrobbins7857]

Great breakdown ..

[@Jake-nj9kk]

It'll be great

[@0-blitz]

I love that comment, regarding Horford picking up Steph at the 3pt line..."Still, not high enough!"

[@imkurisuchan]

That Steph Curry Game 4 masterclass is an iconic statement for all the media and his haters that he can play well and carry his team in the NBA Finals, and on the hostile road. A legendary performance on his entire career given the situation imo.

[@dusk6159]

How did you manage to slip in that false "carry"?

[@Shemzinho]

@@dusk6159 he's absolutely correct. Steph is the only reason the Warriors haven't been swept.

[@dusk6159]

@@Shemzinho You don't watch basketball

[@dusk6159]

@@Shemzinho And this is besides the point of his teammates making it easy and possible for him to do this.

[@Shemzinho]

@@dusk6159 helped him do what? They've been garbage offensively. Only Wiggins and Looney have come to play in terms of rebounding. Draymond is scared of Timelord, Klay has been inefficient and Poole hasn't been consistent. And you want to tell me that you watch basketball. Curry is levels above every single player in these Finals.

[@binary]

I feel bad for people who can't appreciate the greatness of Steph Curry.

[@greyklopstock7155]

What's crazy about Steph is, if you try to just play ball denial, it almost makes him harder to defend. Cause Curry is probably his most dangerous off ball, and denying him the ball is essentially saying you're okay chasing him around a million screens all game and letting his gravity bend your defense. Steph is such a unique player, cause we've never seen a guy who can have these effects on a defense even when he doesn't touch the ball

[@audiocalls2822]

Have to give props to Steve Kerr for taking Draymond out. You highlighted the drop coverage perfectly and I now understand why Draymond has been a nonfactor for these past 3 games for offence. They either do the drop, or make the handoff to dray for easy buckets on the pick and roll

[@Metalovichinkov]

Great video, just don't forget that "way too much space" for Curry is something like a hair-thin space. You're 0.2s late and he suddenly has all the time he needs.

[@kx4998]

with a perfect pass curry shoots in .4 sec...

[@Nick_A_Bacher]

The sequence at 6:31 was beautiful. I love it when Steph passes it and keeps running to get it back.

[@Willy72070]

These breakdowns are sometimes more fun than the actual game lmao. Great job on these they’re so much more in depth than other basketball content and help me understand what both teams are trying to do while watching 😁✌️

[@cerdickjohn2385]

There's no fun if there's no "actual game" as you call it. Did you know that every 10 ball possession in the NBA, only 2 of those 10 plays are the only plays that have been called from the coach or point guard. Everything is the player's choice of play or a player with authority to make more field goals than his teammates. e.g. Curry will take 5 or 6 in every 10 GSW shots.

[@Willy72070]

@@cerdickjohn2385 My brain is still trying to process some of that 😐 Are you trying to say that only 2/10 plays are called by the coach and the rest is the players doing their own thing? While yes, the coaching is completely dependent on what the players do, it’s all based on the gameplan that the coaching staff has created. I’m not even gonna respond to your idea that Steph shoots 6 out of every 10 shots for the Warriors 💀💀

[@vladirackpubama6785]

@@cerdickjohn2385 nigga what

[@acidmana6141]

Yes that's why Iso ball is so overrated because just because it's easy to see. If most ppl see the lens on how actual analysts (not those retarded ones and entertainment like Perk and Skip), they'll realize how beautiful this game is.

[@ygwaltgmb]

That steph gravitational pull is EVERYTHING

[@bobdole4916]

Yeah, Curry is getting his, but the Celtics have done a pretty dang good job keeping the Warriors as a whole contained. Warriors have scored 108, 107, 100, and 107 - no games where the offense has just gone off, only Curry. All the games the Warriors have won have been because their defense has kept the Celtics below 100. Game 5 is going to be huge - the winner likely wins the series.

[@wenbotao1119]

it's not GS defense. It's Celtics beating themselves

[@bobdole4916]

@@wenbotao1119 Yep, the #2 defense in the league is just helpless against that stellar Celtics offense.

[@Ghgh335owns]

@Elimzyx Boston shot and hit threes in g1q4 and won, and shot and missed threes in g4q4 and lost. Hindsight take

[@tellthetruthg]

Celtics G2 88 G4 97 G5 94 G6 90 . W's D was better than the Celtics. in 6 games the W's out scored the Celtics by 86 points. To me an amazing stat was both teams in 6 games had the same # of personal fouls called against them 111 . Give the Refs credit they called it dead even

[@Kumingaaa]

Warriors pull this off the discussions about Steph will be insane

[@yeatdagoat173]

Mfs will put him side by side with Kobe all time

[@sharifbrown3567]

@@yeatdagoat173 I mean...we have all watched Thinking Basketball's Greatest Peaks. Combined that with Steph's age 34 Longevity only being matched by 2019 Lebron and 1997 MJ in terms of player impact (or CORP, as Ben dubs it), and I wouldn't be surprised if Ben will put Curry over Kobe after this season regardless of the result.

[@t4d0W]

Discussions? Steph just dropped 43 points in a gotta-win scenario with the Celtics playing their tight D for 3 quarters. His scoring helped break them down in the 4th and sent them back in the drawing board to adjust once again for game 5. People are willing to crown guys who haven't earned shit but Steph been earned his stripes and he's taming this historic Celtics defense in the Finals.

[@Kumingaaa]

@@t4d0W his ability is there.. just… winning the title will make it more objective and not subjective. He has nothing left to prove. He can, however, elevate himself to the Mount Rushmore type status.

[@josephhughes1319]

just glad that i witnessed curry play in this era never be another like him 👌🏾

[@Mrhector593]

What you are describing as tons of space and daylight, to my eyes it's just 1 or 2 seconds in which curry is shooting the 3s . That's just insane ability how quickly and successfully Curry makes his shots. What curry is doing is simply unbelievably calm skill execution!.

[@SenorAzazel]

Curry's quick release is so damn unreal man

[@MikeJay-on5tt]

True but it also risky if he's cold or have a bad game also.

[@TheUncannyOne]

@@MikeJay-on5tt what’s that have to do with his release?

[@ayoaye2276]

Why is lucas faster in 2k

[@nounicorns1087]

Also has to do with the fact that he has relatively short arms for his height. That means he has a compact shooting stroke

[@cycleoflife565]

@@MikeJay-on5tt What does risk have to do with it?

[@Wil_Dasovich]

Love these breakdowns! Keep ‘em comin

[@moldacious3058]

Hi Wil!!!!

[@------7632]

Kamusta na po si Alodia?

[@2yearsago.649]

Di ko alam mahilig ka rin pala sa basketball Wil!

[@carlcapan9217]

Didn't know that you are a basketball fan wil

[@midnightwolf6680]

Hi kuya Wil , balik kana po sa tv

[@cleverclover7]

This is such a great series. Nearly all the plays you're showing GS is down. You really highlight how the teamwork made this gutsy win on the road possible. This was such championship form from Curry, Klay, Kerr, and surprisingly, Wiggins. Tatum's gotta learn how to play off the dribble better if he can't overcome isolations like this. All these years listening and watching basketball analysis, this is by far the best I've seen. (Van Gundy and Lowe are also great).

[@legallyyblonde]

i feel like we haven't seen curry do a crossover for a long time now until this game 😭 curry hasnt played iso ball since 2016 or something. he's always getting doubled.

[@jasperbesinga]

then there is Booker whining a double team on a pickup game bruh

[@devvv4616]

that play on Robert Williams looked like those old AI highlights just crossing dudes over and over the whole possession till he gets a good look lol

[@goldendragon7853]

straight up man. Was in awe because it felt like it was new to me😂😂😂

[@tyreegomez6060]

Nah the last two years he’s definitely done a ton of iso . The year he averaged 32 he did a ton of iso idk what u was watching

[@tyreegomez6060]

@@goldendragon7853 he did it when he averaged 32 lol did y’all watch that season? 😂

[@Stardust414]

Just when I think Steph's handle can't get any greater... He blows me away with a handles clinic like I've never seen🔥🏀🔥

[@eduardoarancibia169]

Great analysis. What always amazes me if the difference between Steph having "space" and anyone else having space. He just needs a blink to punish you.

[@Debo78816]

You have expanded my basketball knowledge tremendously I no long look at the game in a primitive way. Thank you Mr. Taylor

[@oneman9121]

This is actually the reason why I don't think any 80's/90's teams can guard Steph. All those slow footed big men back then would play drop coverage on every pick'n roll. I always tell 90's fans, "How do you stop handchecking in basketball? You ask for a screen." It's so simple it's stupid. Lol it's a completely different game now.

[@TElias5]

yup steph would have his 73 win season every season because teams wouldnt catch up on shooting as many threes as the warriors like they did in 2017-2019 when they started catching up.

[@zoulzopan]

You don't think Gary Payton or Michael Jordan would be fast enough to guard Curry?

[@carteljameson8395]

@@zoulzopan Payton and Jordan aren't slow footed big men. They're both guards. Learn to read.

[@scat3926]

@@zoulzopan they would have to fight over a screen in which Curry would beat them off of either forcing the slow footed center to come up and switch or play Drop and Get Hell Rained there only chance is to quickly get under and hope Curry doesn't just say fuckit and fade off the screen a shot he is very good enough to make

[@enthusiastofcute]

@@zoulzopan they can try but they’ll have fun chasing him around screens and constantly being aware of his off ball movement.

[@smoens]

Wish I had these breakdowns in a live game, it really adds so much especially in these two incredibly well-coached teams. Amazing content, keep it up!

[@acommenter4252]

This video really showed how Draymond didn't really kill the Warriors as much as people think. The way the Celtics are playing defense neutralizes his impact, not because he's not a good passer or player. And it also shows how smart Kerr is with his substitutions. Draymond is still the heart of the Warriors- never forget it.

[@soradps]

they neutralized his impact because he’s not a good player on the offensive end anymore without steph creating a 4 on 3 situation for him

[@elimo5673]

It shows that Draymond has only really been able to thrive because he has a generational offensive talent that allows him to play 4 v. 3. It shows the offensive impact of Draymond in a normal offensive context.

[@itrig7679]

Draymond is not the heart of the Warriors lol STEPH IS, it's not hard to understand

[@atonshabazz-bey911]

Love this comment because it's so true. They found a way to take Draymond out of his element on offense and in turn, he's less charged up on the defensive side too. It's a scheme that neutralizes in of the smartest players in the league. It just also happens to play into Steph's strengths lol

[@t4d0W]

Draymond still didn't do much on the offense side. What mattered is that when the Warriors need Steph to have a big bucket game, he goes 'say less' and drops 43 on the Celtics' heads. It also helped Kerr had the opportunity to make adjustments where he got Draymond in key defensive possessions but had Looney/Wiggins out muscle the Celtics in their offensive rebound efforts. That means more possessions for Curry to build on the offense and take the lead and puts pressure on the Celtics to match or get smoked. That was the first defensive breakdown for the Celtics in the series in the 4th quarter where THEY got outscored by the Warriors. In previous games the Celtics held control of the 4th and the lead which led to wins.

[@jeffclassic7205]

I will say having Looney out there as there 5 instead of Draymond has given them a lot more defensive stop opportunities and scoring opportunities, with shooters all around of course

[@jacquizzz3476]

Game 4 just shows how much the players respect/trust Kerr as their coach and how good of a coach he actually is. It also shows how much Draymond cares about winning by accepting the bench role on offense in a close game.

[@heavydq]

"...and Steph says 'still not high enough'" XD Love the commentary on this channel. And the insight, of course.

[@davidzhan777]

Awesome breakdown.

[@MindaugasKuzminskas966]

Wardell curry painting kzbin.info/www/bejne/noaseoKcg9-maMk

[@brandoncheung4935]

1:46 the defensive read by Klay and rotation by Wiggins to cover corner 3. Next level.

[@elshaddiliben193]

The only thing wrong in the video is saying this is the highest volume he has scored at. 2019 vs the blazers he averaged 37 on godly efficiency

[@pushkarajkalkar8027]

Amazing breakdown! Especially the reason behind drop coverage defense against curry and how it worked out with the Draymond green's short pass to looney possession. That was brilliant! I am new to the game of basketball, never played it. In India, we are cricket fans and enjoy it because I understand slight nuances of that game. Getting insights like this makes me enjoy and appreciate the game of basketball way better. So thank you!! Cricket commentators discuss technical things more thoroughly . I see that missing a bit in basketball.

[@zpe1200]

Curry is like Sashin, small but powerful and a killer scoring, but on the field or defense not the best.

[@pushkarajkalkar8027]

@@zpe1200 haha fair analogy!

[@sirhetmanpirate]

I'm with you on the commentators. They spend most of the game just having a chat, not even calling plays. Nothing technical about it. Andrew Bogut was a commentator for the Olympics basketball, he got really detailed about why teams do this or that. A real breath of fresh air.

[@utsavjangid7193]

This is so true. I am from India myself and have been following the game for around 2 years now and I love that analyst like these break things down even more. The so called Media has real bias towards the players and place onus on them rather than the team.

[@wanderlustwarrior]

I swear there's moments where Green has come down with Ben Simmons Disease, so benching him was the right call.

[@nataliesvt]

ben simmons disease lmfao

[@skettinbutter3635]

Simmons never even tried to shoot. Draymond is just ass

[@bigdaddytrichardson4994]

Been watching steph since 2007/2008 when he was at Davidson. I instantly became a fan and hes been My favorite basketball player ever since besides Kobe🙏.

[@brianbirnbaum9760]

Are you me? I was a Laker fan until Steph came along. Obsessed since his elite 8 run.

[@bigdaddytrichardson4994]

@@brianbirnbaum9760 Dude same here when he whooped on NC State and Georgetown

[@Shortly8908]

I think it's a smart move for Kerr to sub dray during offense on that late 4th quarter. Dray was literally a liability in offense to the point that defenders didn't even bother contesting his drives. Like even those open shots, dray still pass it to someone else.

[@jasonwong1358]

I cannot brain his pass up a open layup beside the hoop...

[@kickin477]

I gotta say it says something about Jayson Tatum’s rim finishing when Andrew Wiggins directly under the basket completely deters him from even attempting a shot 😅 It really cannot be understated how much of his struggles this post season come down to him not being able to finish at the rim well at all

[@rosesaredying0]

damn this breakdown is nothing but a dazzling gold. we need more guys like you.

[@soonglobal1434]

certainly the best of the best - so much work put into make this beautifully edited video - appreciate all the effort, loving it!

[@LilShrooms]

amazing breakdown!! I didn’t even realize all these subs happening I was just in awe at every posession down the stretch :00

[@Mv3Trader]

Man, great breakdown! I usually find it extremely difficult to listen to any analysis from someone that didn't play at the pro level but I truly enjoyed this. You know the game fa sho. 💯🙏🏾

[@samiam159007]

This is a much more detailed analysis than any commentary from the major media outlets I've seen on the games. wow!

[@j-rey-]

Thank you for putting the ad at the end. Nothing makes me madder on KZbin than when a video builds up good momentum for a minute and a half, then it all comes screeching to a halt to hear about Raid Shadow Legends.

[@NoMoreNever]

I'm a Celtics fan but after watching this breakdown of the final minutes of the 4th quarter, I couldn't help but admire the changes made by Kerr by switching Draymond in and out like that. Plus Andrew Wiggins deserves more credit for the way he impacted the final result.

[@mattsteele489]

Another banger from the dopest basketball channel. So good and made me love watching ball so much

[@marshallpinckney74]

Bruh I can honestly say you have the most interesting narrative voice to breakdown basketball. Alot of these channels have some good breakdowns but their voices throw me off sometimes😂. Yours not overly dramatic or undertoned and very analytically direct. Good stuff man

[@pizzaenthusiast7116]

was waiting for this upload since last night. bless you and your basketball analysis

[@raingeart1]

Elite, each three was contested some of them were very difficult

[@Jaded1221]

Wiggins and looney are the unsung heroes of the series.

[@dusk6159]

Having insane pieces like Porter too, on top of those insanely valuable guys (and even people like Bjelica - who would have regular minutes in every other post season lineup - as a bench option, with even Payton and Andre), is bonkers. The Warriors role players and co-stars literally do it all.

[@fireice2585]

Looney was the key of this game. Kerr learned his lesson from game 3 where Looney wasn't part of the game and they lost because of poor rebounding. It's a same situation in the Memphis series when the Memphis big were punishing the Warriors' small lineup on offensive rebounding until Looney got put back into the lineup.

[@King_JappyJoe]

Keep up the great uploads man. Good to see you getting your much-deserved shine.

[@MrBonzeMedal]

Boston just has to hope that Steph gets cold for at least ONE game. He’s playing insanely great right now but you at least take away Draymond’s passing and Klay’s open looks. All-time greats put coaches in impossible positions. It’s just the nature of the game. You can’t stop everything

[@joshuachang5210]

I mean they’re probably the first team to find some level of success with a defensive scheme that doesn’t focus on not letting Steph get hot at all costs

[@dryiyce5347]

This is 💯. Steph is just going nuts right now

[@cousinskeeter3639]

Celtics coach should've told them stop memechucking

[@roedelrivera5353]

Plus Boston need to lower those turnovers especially those sloppy ones, it's giving the warriors opportunity to score on fastbreaks,

[@DesignzRUs]

he was cold to start the game lol. But if you keep giving him those looks, all it takes is one for him to catch fire

[@overlordupchuck]

I thoroughly enjoy your breakdowns, thank you for giving such informative content in such an attention-grabbing way!! Good work as always Ben!

[@carlosencarnacion9425]

This was an amazing breakdown. I am follow basketball but more as casual viewing, yet was able to understand all the technical elements told in the view and demostrated cause of the great explination!

[@ernestomuniz1743]

Best break down I’ve ever seen on such a legendary game!

[@richarddesmarais2065]

Great breakdown. Crazy to see how little space Curry needs to just launch one as accurately as he does.

[@kirkmartinson691]

I’ve been waiting allllllllll day for this to come out let’s go

[@justinharris2320]

Your breakdown showed the art, philosophy, and strategy of basketball. All the things "dumb jocks" aren't supposed to comprehend. I hope there is a coach out there using this content to educate their young players.

[@_shadow8957]

This video just reminded me why curry is one of the goats of the game and the best shooter to ever come into the NBA. He will be full sprinting for a layup, fire it out to his teammates then run out for a three pointer and splash it in. To keep that kind of intensity and calmness to splash the ball in is truly remarkable

[@evesseie1012]

finally a video that explains why boston doing drop coverage on curry

[@stevenchew3774]

Thank you!!!! This is what I keep telling my friends! Nothing is "wrong"with Draymond offensively. The Celtics defense on Steph is limiting Draymond because they aren't trapping him and giving Draymond the ability to make the right play In a 4v3 situation where he's one of the best in the league

[@kwek_kwek5501]

I love watching breakdowns. Its like an insight into a game

[@HCaulfield115]

amazing breakdown as always

[@BossKing1243]

You have no idea how happy I am that your breakdown videos are coming out so rapidly lol we don’t deserve this

[@Tom-hx5kh]

Yea, I swear we only have the 2-3 days break each time so Ben can comfortably dish out his nice vid for us

[@dusk6159]

As usual, it's pure oxygen in a sea of braindead NBA talkers, be it YT or programs. Great to have it for every game, very extensive work for this great series.

[@Edusm17]

I cannot get over the shot over Williams at the top of the backboard. insane

[@littlelauchie]

Thank you for making this, it’s incredible!

[@jasonforester7292]

People questioning why they're playing Curry this way don't seem to understand that Golden State rely HEAVILY on Draymond being the playmaker and facilitator. Playing drop coverage basically renders him useless in that regard and forces other guys to either play make or find their own shot, which isn't typical Warriors basketball. It's a smart strategy, but it's definitely a dangerous one. Either way it's pick your poison no matter which way you try and guard Golden States offense.

[@belegendary613]

Klay Thompson Defense was superb this game. Andrew Wiggins Boards were monumental, Steph willed them to victory, but these other two guys were huge on the victory as well.

[@vemppai]

Your explanation about the game is incredible. Congrats. You're the only one who could explain why boston is using drop coverage on their defense. Thanks!

[@troythompson2]

Your best breakdown I've seen so far. Keep it up

[@housevelaryon8241]

I kept wondering why Ime kept using the same defensive scheme😅 turns out it leaves green unable to play 4-3 on the backside. Downside of it is giving curry a full head of steam which means goodnite if you’re the C’s. Celtics need to get the ball moving side to side instead of trying to cherry-pick every mismatch. Warriors done loaded up at the end of every quarter giving Tatum a hard time. Also, Smart and White gotta take better care of the ball in the 1st halves of these games.

[@adriandaliva1341]

exactly, trapping Curry near half court had its advantages, it's what most playoff opponents did in the past versus GSW, let the 4-on-3 Draymond short roll beat you instead of Curry. Celtics chose instead to take away GSW's short roll plays and not trap Curry, and now everyone is realizing the long overdue realization that Curry is that type of dude who can carry the team on his back, with just the right amount of help from Wiggins, Poole, and Looney and Klay.

[@housevelaryon8241]

@@adriandaliva1341 Facts lol I think the C’s might have to mix up coverages and blitz/trap every once in awhile and have a free roamer(probably Brown) play the passing lanes like a free safety much like Bron did in those warrior series pre 2017.

[@Chessbox09]

It’s amazing how the Celtics have still thrived despite Smarts’ many boneheaded turnovers. He almost cost them the series against the Bucks when they went up 3-2, with his horrific stretch to end game 5.

[@MrShishi]

It worked fairly well until Kerr got crafty with his lineup and Celtics choked away the final minutes, credit Warriors amazing defense down the stretch and shot making was amazing. Im a Celtic fan so very Salty but looking at the box score the GSW deserve this win.

[@brianbirnbaum9760]

@@Chessbox09 I think Smart has played well overall. You’re zooming too close to a few turnovers and missing a ton of big plays and shots he’s made.

[@fulldeepshadowmmon]

one of the most underrated thing about steph is his team mentality, he is more interested in the win than the iso and that makes him special

[@dusk6159]

That goes for any superstar not named Kevin Durant (which makes me recall about how right Scottie Pippen was last year). The difference is that nothing will happen still if your Jokic or Lebron don't have a cast like Wiggins, Porter, Klay, Looney etc around to make it count.

[@zakariahhanson2115]

I think it’s a combo of your voice and the knowledge you bring that makes these so good to watch

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

As a lifelong Lakers fan, I can't begin to describe how much fun I had watching this video!

[@SSJRome]

Game 4s usually bring out the best in HOF players and this game was no different from Chef Curry. Wiggins and Loon came up huge as well

[@chrissullivan6572]

This coaching chess match has been great to watch

[@AreYouFNQRAZII]

Almost at 1 mill😨 Proud of you‼️🔥

[@arsalmonar]

I dun'no whats more amazing... the Warriors game or your analysis of it... I've never seen such a thorough and accurate synopsis of basketball play/IQ. THANKS BRO!

[@johnpicillo1988]

IF Steph wins these Finals, I feel like people need to start talking less about how he is the greatest shooter of all time, and more about how he is just one of the greatest players of all time, period.

[@ThorfinnMacbeth]

Great job as always! This tactically expresses something ive felt all along. I dont think Curry is a superstar you can let "get his" in a playoff series, the way many teams, including the warriors, have chosen to do historically with some stars. Speaking as a Warriors fan who has watched A LOT of this basketball very closely- because Curry's success is so integrated with the teams- both energetically and x and o wise-i just don't think you can beat a warriors team with a flowing Curry more often than it beats you. That said, Boston is coming damn close!.... AND, to radically switch (in multiple senses) at this point might mess them up..... so we'll see! I know this- however we start, I always feel like we can win when Curry individually is shooting and scoring fearlessly.

[@sharifbrown3567]

The type of BS Curry can make is straight up unfair tbh.

[@zachariah-binyisrayl5570]

@@sharifbrown3567 THE CREATOR gave Curry a gift/skill/talent.....was THE CREATOR wrong for doing that ???? :-)

[@brianbirnbaum9760]

There’s only so many times you can allow double digit leads and then lean on Steph to bring you back. They need to play 48 minutes or they will lose. Because Boston is fat and away the best team they’ve played in these playoffs and probably better than the Warriors tbh. Home court advantage and Steph at his best might be enough to get them to the promised land though.

[@ThorfinnMacbeth]

@@brianbirnbaum9760 I wouldn't call Boston fat ;)..... but, yeah i agree about the 48 minutes and the Celts overall talent. What im saying though is that good energy AND Steph being free makes them VERY hard to beat and i think has a kind of cumulative effect such that the more minutes that the warriors have fight on the defensive end and Curry in a flow the more it creates a kind of positive pressure toward them finding a way to break through

[@adrianbeal7202]

boston has beat you 2 out of 4 times with steph getting his and contain the rest boston just couldnt score in the 4th dats why they lose not because curry scoring 43 we couldnt buy a basket down the scretch bos in 6 watch.

[@lucasisto1744]

Awesome as Always man! Also Klay's defense all game long was sensational!

[@thehoneyasmr]

Thank you so much for this. I need breakdowns about my fave team to really understand their greatness besides just watching. So thank you.

[@Shih-mc6vz]

so it's the celtics drop that made green absolutely no use on offense, if the celtics go trap, draymond would be useful and it shows on the play when he passed kevon looney for the ball and killed the game

[@GetGooderatBasketball]

Man great breakdown! 🔥🔥 I did one on the game as well, yours is just so beautiful!

[@danielleza908]

Amazing breakdown, this is the first time I stumble on this channel, easy sub!

[@TheStevieb1983]

I love your videos. Your insight and narration are top level. keep it up

[@Artrey30]

Side note the NBA didn't count any of Draymond Greens blocks in Game 4. He should have 3. hmm hmm but Dray is now 8th ranked all time in NBA Steals in NBA Finals surpassing Dwayne wade.

[@spongecake951]

curry was on a pretty long shooting slump this season but he has really showed up in these finals

[@victorcruz8993]

You're the best.. explained everything with precision..

[@seankeegan8285]

The timing of his narration with the video of the plays going on in the background is genius

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

What a stacked team is the Warriors! I'm impressed with Wiggings and Looney's performance. It must be a joy to play in Golden State. And seeing Dray, of all people, being exposed like this and becoming the weakest link was something i didn't ever expected to happen, since he's such a huge player (this just shows how the strongest teams will not care about status and will challenge you head on), incredible mental fortitude of him to come back and do his job at defense in spite of the struggle. And on Curry, this video show how the numbers don't tell the whole picture, part of his huge number were a byproduct of how the opponent was covering HIS TEAM. It's like Draymond says "at the end of the day something has to beat you", so they allowed Steph to shoot some so celtics could cut their plays. And by the way, pretty bold of Kerr to unapologetically ask so many timeouts, killing the momentum of the game for strategic purposes.

[@edgarmacabasa6682]

because he had many timeouts left while udoka spent his last timeout on a challenge with about 4 minutes left in the game.

[@taesang5664]

i’d argue that, even taking into account the kd warriors, our roster is at its highest offensive potential with multiple all-star calibre scorers, where if boston tries to double team steph, it just gives everyone else way too much room to navigate and get hot. obviously we haven’t seen that happen yet, but i firmly believe that can be attributed to boston’s current defensive scheme of drop coverage, where the big man is always in the position to keep everyone out of the paint. if they change it up, someone among klay, jordan, and wiggs will start catching fire because double team steph too high will give golden state multiple 4-on-3 scenarios. but ultimately, everything hinges on steph’s capability to produce several 30+ point games and will his team to victory.

[@chris-hq2hd]

Celtics are challenging curry to beat them 5 on 1. 2-3 more games and we'll see, but he's lived up to his reputation so far. I'm of the mind that these Celtics can power through game 6 and 7 wins, it's almost like they can't perform 100% if it isn't do or die.

[@taesang5664]

@@chris-hq2hd i’m praying steph keeps it up because the pressure is all on him. man i really need this win for him 😭

[@myweirdsecondchannelwithap9070]

@@chris-hq2hd yeah. Celtics ain’t winning two in a row, hate to break it to you.

[@shaneyy__]

I absolutely do not agree with that sentiment. Klay going off was having the offense run through him and he hit like 40% of those looks. Wiggins will not drop 30 against a playoff defense. Draymond has been a nonfactor because of scheme. Poole will not drop 20 unless he literally doesn’t miss. Looney is playing real bigs. Give me Curry, Klay, and KD who could all actually drop 30+ and a useful Draymond any day.

[@taesang5664]

@@shaneyy__ what about the rest of the roster? kuminga and moody haven’t even played a whole post-season. wiseman hasn’t even played. jordan is already showing all-star capabilities and he’s just 3 years older than those guys. and wiggs has been getting many looks inside but just could not finish. all these guys can put in more work and improve tremendously. meanwhile, the kd warriors were at the peak of their capabilities. kd and steph are superstars, but there was nothing else to improve with that roster. you compare that with the current one? the one which reached the finals with no one besides steph is playing at his best? i can only imagine what this team would look like then.