Why the Warriors are a different animal

How did the Warriors storm to a Game 1 win over the Mavs in the 2022 Western Conference Finals? This film room study details exactly what makes Golden State so different from other playoff teams, how Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole attacked Luka Doncic and rendered Dallas's previous scheme against the Suns useless, and why Draymond Green is the key to defending the Mavs 5-out, switch-hunting offense.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
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:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by csus (instrumental)
#ThinkingBasketball #NBAPlayoffs

[@2010zchen]

Beautiful game not only in basketball, but this is what all team sports are supposed to play. Its very hard to generate this kind of synchronizing offense and defense where all 5 ppl on the court know what to do and where to be.

[@denilsoncalderon1952]

Watch fc barcelona playing “tiki taka” simply beautiful my friend

[@superrookie7553]

@@denilsoncalderon1952 that's dead and old

[@tcr7]

So much of this is Draymond. He's such a great general for the defense. If you put him on the worst defensive team in the league, I bet they become a top 10 defensive team by the end of the year.

[@minhvu5624]

@@superrookie7553 No bro, that's what a birth of something new in football. Now it's high pressing use by Liverpool and ManCity. It's what Barca used, but now the other team do it better and faster

[@williamallen7984]

Says a lot about the value of coaching. Look how they played when Mike Brown was filling in Gs last night. Coaching matters in the NBA, just sake the Nets…

[@felangela]

bruh pat bev was right. when u play against warriors u have to really sleep early coz the amount of running/chasing to gsw's shooters on the court is unmatched. god seeing curry, klay, n poole running around like toddlers made me exhausted by just watching. respect.

[@Ishai1]

Teams used to get a little break from that when Steph would go to the bench. That's over now that Poole decided to steal all of Steph's moves and run around just like him

[@cummomaximus4069]

@@Ishai1 poole didnt really steal any of currys moves he is way more athletic and has his own better flashier moves in his arsenal

[@Ishai1]

@@cummomaximus4069 he has his own movies in iso and he has a great burst of speed, I'm talking about his off ball movements, which are carbon copy from Steph and something he worked on after watching Steph, as he himself said in interviews

[@ichigokurosaki7454]

@@cummomaximus4069 curry is like that in his younger years. You can only say that because steph is much slower now. But steph in his prime is much deadlier. Stephs game is different nowadays. It's entirely base on experience and smarts just like LeBron. Great players really adjust their games to still be this impactful despite of age.

[@zay_gzs5635]

@@Ishai1 Well the Celtics or the Miami Heat defense doesn’t play that so we’ll see what happens in the finals

[@tariqtopey]

This man just dropped an elite breakdown of the game in less than 24 hours!! Your work doesn't go underappreciated Ben

[@nickolasogle8780]

He really dropped it right before the Celtics - Heat game tonight. What a treat to get to go into the game like that

[@rommelrivera1186]

Yeah, he summed it up pretty good. #Warriors

[@zerocal76]

For real! Im gonna show my support on the man's patreon. U guys should too

[@SLiCeDx]

It's been the same Warriors basketball for years. It's finally getting more attention.

[@zerocal76]

@@SLiCeDx Bro unless youre a casual, one knows its Warriors basketball. U forget that no one liked them when KD decided to help them get a couple rings easy as if he went out for some ice cream on a Sunday afternoon 🙃

[@enthusiastofcute]

Defending the Warriors offense is impossible when it clicks because sometimes not even the Warriors know what they’re running during a half court set but their automatics like the low post split and perpetual movement can create organic plays

[@alessiobusi5791]

“Sometimes not even the Warriors know what they’re running” lol It’s funny bc it’s true

[@edwinpoon]

@@alessiobusi5791 It's not funny once you understand 'Ultra-Instinct' play.

[@astashasta1]

8:35 I was thinking the same thing on the last one. Looks improvised, dfs lost curry for a split second and done

[@lifeiscool60000]

that's the beauty of creating your own system. it is an art translated into movements. being on the benches of great team like Chicago bulls, San Antonio Spurs and a stint during Nash's Suns, Steve was able to apply all the ideas of Jackson 's triangle offense, Popovich's motion offense and d'antoni's fast and furious offense. he also inherited a squad assembled by Mark Jackson and aided by great coaches with knack on the ball. the result is a warriors team that is hard to beat.

[@kevinyu8320]

Exactly and it's one of those things that just exponentially get better as the team as a whole gets more experience. It's hard to see this kind of development from iso star-led teams that have players freeze and relax off-ball.

[@alfredolouiebrian980]

Everyone saying Curry is defensive liability is not watching the games.

[@queenvioletrichards3633]

2015-2019 playoffs maybe they can argue that, but the rest of his career you can't anymore since he already has the iq, body, and experience for it. not really dpoy level though, but definitely elite. i'm just worried though that maybe it takes a toll on his shooting that's why he has his career low in the offensive part this season, & even his free throw sucks according to his standard lol

[@page8301]

He is not really that impressive on defense even if he is not a liability though.

[@t4d0W]

@@queenvioletrichards3633 For off-ball it is elite. As long as he schemed off the match up, the dude is ahead of the play and he's on the ball as fast as Draymond is. Just legendary things man.

[@JP-ks7ey]

i'll admit i down played curry being a defender because of his size but this year i've been able to see just how a good defender he can be

[@queenvioletrichards3633]

@@t4d0W yup the communication & switching he master it all now. for on ball, you can easily create mismatch on him that's why surely he is not that good especially against bigs, but at least he is not easy target since the team knows now when to help & when to trust your teammate as what green emphasized

[@cnelsonlv99]

Curry's defense is so underrated.

[@InfamousAWJ]

Very

[@back2back379]

The Warriors don’t run a simple predictable offense of just hunting mismatches, they run an offense where EVERYONE is hunted at the same time.

[@lik7953]

Haha sometimes it’s so unpredictable the warriors don’t even know what they’re doing, throwing the ball away with a lot of turnover

[@patsayjack402]

@@lik7953 true that's the downside

[@DaggerMan11]

yeah that's a good point. They don't focus on beating weak defenders off the dribble, although they can do that, too. Their focus is on exposing poor team defenders or, more generally, forcing defenders to make a choice between two options that are both disadvantageous for the defense.

[@sammyw5136]

@@DaggerMan11 It's team basketball, plain and simple. Steph is the focal point by which Klay/Wiggins/Poole get their looks from, and Draymond/Looney reading the defense to make the right passes off what the defense is doing. And obviously Steph/Klay/Poole/Wiggins are doing the same when the ball's in their hands. The threat of an open Steph shot is as close to a game-breaker that we've seen since a Shaq 1v1 post-up.

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

@@sammyw5136 amazing analogy, i think Steph's open 3 is even more devastating than Shaq's post up

[@jhtkompassgamingproduction8463]

They got 5 Finals appearance for a reason. This 3 veteran stars never get nervous anymore because they're use to it.

[@jbm421]

They had 2 Finals appearances without Durant and one with half a Durant and probably would've won that if the injuries didn't pile up.

[@jullianmolina8842]

@@jbm421 3 w our durtant.. kd was injured 2019

[@jullianmolina8842]

@@jbm421 💯 woulda won the 2019 vs raps. Cousins, klay and kd got injured

[@jbm421]

@@jullianmolina8842 I completely forgot Boogie was on that team.

[@jullianmolina8842]

@@jbm421 how do u forget tht lmao

[@jetpackdd]

as a depressed bucks fan, i’ve chosen the warriors to root for because history has taught me never to doubt them

[@nahshonchettiar2494]

We will prevail. We gotchu.

[@ezyryder11]

Bucks seem like a really cool team and fan base! Cheers from the Bay Area

[@myweirdsecondchannelwithap9070]

@@ezyryder11 next year when we play them they’ll be a much more worthy opponent than the celtics, that’s for sure!

[@rich-is7ct]

@@ezyryder11 pure hoop no bs mostly thanks to giannis

[@K0shimae]

u know ball

[@n813productions2]

This is why I'm a fan of the Warriors. It's not just one player dominating. It's a harmony of skills and talent and gameplan and strategy. Beautiful to watch.

[@hardwoodgems]

It's incredible how many layups or dunks they get with a simple dump off pass at the end of an amazing possession bc of how they bend the defense to then get the open man THE shot.

[@reignsupreme7686]

AMEN love TEAM basketball truly poetry in motion. Goooooo Dubs

[@alexnather7614]

THANK YOU STEVE KERR

[@haydenfreeman7685]

When they aren’t playing your team the warriors are so fun to watch

[@Zorrr]

One of the many reasons I genuinely love watching the warriors play the game, sure they’re good, but the game they play just looks so contagiously fun to play that I can’t help myself getting excited to play basketball myself (and do some bad imitation). Just genuinely a fun team to watch, I hope they will continue to show off like this for the rest of the playoffs.

[@GaudyGabriev]

100%. As much as I like all 4 teams left in the playoffs (it's ended up being a great ending), I can't help but root for the Warriors. They just play such a great and fun game of basketball I always feel excited to watch their games.

[@alexnather7614]

THANK YOU STEVE KERR

[@blitzfire723]

This is legit. Every time I see GSW clips, I boot up my NBA 2K22. XD

[@evingrindle1929]

I played on a rec league team in middle school 2015 where we ran similar to the Warriors that year and boy lemme tell ya that was the most fun I've ever had playing basketball.

[@goldenharp5415]

Looney isn’t a elite defender but he’s a smart defender he always predicting what happens next and Wiggins puts his physique to perfect use while Steph has just bulked up and got stronger he was always good at steals but he was to small before not now Edit: what I meant is that Looney isn’t naturally defensively gifted so he compensates with being smart and predicting what the person he is guarding his next move by how he moves and reacts accordingly

[@lovewinson3]

gonna have to disagree. Looney is top 3 big man wing defender.

[@canyouread]

As a dubs fan I say this with love. Looney isn't necessarily smart, rather he's too slow to react to dancing guards so he holds his ground well. The joke is that harden would do 500 moves but loon is still reacting to the first one lol

[@burningthecandleatbothends1658]

@@canyouread thats utterly wrong

[@nickmclawhorn5559]

Steph also has great awareness as shown in this video. Arguably the most important skill for off-ball defense.

[@proxieddd]

Looney is an elite defender especially considering his physical limitations. This the same dude who used to be switched up high on James Harden in the Houston series and held his own. And the dude who said he’s a dubs fan and that looney doesn’t have high Iq you’re embarrassing as a fan. Looney has one of the highest basketball IQs on the team. He’s a big part of their offense with screening, rebounding and rolling and also defensively.

[@Hman202]

9 of the 17 members on our roster have never really played for another team. that's 53%. MOST of our guys have ONLY played for the warriors including our four best guys. I think that makes a big difference.

[@waynefrench9314]

Not really. If your coach sees something in you. He will place you in the best place for the team. Who ever thought that GP2 could be a guard and play center. 🤔👍😎

[@hooks4638]

@@waynefrench9314 Not exactly, time together Definitely Matters. When your core guys play together for as long as they have the chemistry is extraordinary. The ability to read/predict/To Know what your teammates will do in any given situation is much higher when you're together that long. And that counts for A LOT. That's not to say Coaching doesn't matter because it does. Drawing up plays/creating an overall concept and installing it. Plus recognizing your best talent and who does what well, that all matters. Steve Kerr has done an Excellent job, but you can't Coach chemistry.

[@Alucard400]

@@hooks4638 Well explained. Huge contrast to teams that have one or two alpha players (another name for an allstar player). This is a good representation why a 2 or 3 man super team doesn't necessarily dominate the NBA anymore. A team that plays as a team rather than by talent just makes a huge difference in overall play. Last time I saw this kind of basketball dominate a 3 man superteam was the Spurs demolishing Lebron's Miami Heat super team.

[@hooks4638]

@@Alucard400 Definitely, but you know that style of play is always overlooked. Like the Spurs. They won those Championships not just because of Tim Duncan and their other stars. They play team ball, and it seems like they're overlooked in different conversations all the time. (With a Steve Kerr connection for ya too.)

[@ancientatomicimmortality4016]

Exactly & everybody knows their role. The Dubs honestly have no weaknesses from their players to their coaching to their GM's ability to find guys who fit their play style. They remind me of the Tim Duncan era Spurs with their unselfish team basketball. What I find the most impressive with this Warriors team is how amazing their defense has been. Draymond, GP2, Wiggins, Klay, Porter Jr., Looney, Iggy, Kuminga, & even Steph have been absolutely phenomenal on D all season long especially in the playoffs

[@soapa4279]

How long do we have to keep chasing Curry and Klay off the ball? Yes.

[@mulanomula]

also Poole now.

[@goldenstatew2399]

😂😂😂😂

[@waynefrench9314]

😂🤣🤔😂🤣😆👍😎💯

[@evingrindle1929]

Imagine chasing one of them for a full 24 second shot clock and getting a good contest just for them to drain a three in your face anyway 😕

[@Nandoswitharando]

@@evingrindle1929 and then do that over and over again for 48 minutes. I would quit.

[@jamesbudd1022]

Lowkey I'm loving Wiggins role on the team. The coaching is really bringing the best out of him.

[@SylvesterMcNuttIII]

The play at 4:08 is one of the greatest plays I've ever seen. This team is locked in, has their reads, and their chemistry is off the charts. It doesn't matter what team or player you are a fan of. When it comes to loving basketball and appreciating the art, this team right now is a beauty to watch. One thing I love about this video is the explanation also helps you understand just how intelligent the players are. To process that much information that fast is incredible, and that speaks volumes to their coaching and preparation as well.

[@waynefrench9314]

Great to hear you say coach. Because they are the brains behind every team. When there's a time out. The coach has to come up with a new game plan. 👍😎

[@thegrantedgamer4309]

Yeah, that play completely threw the defense off. Unguardable.

[@emanueljames7801]

I love how they play I’m a lakers fan but this my favorite team all time (roster/staff) The only player I seen effort this offense since they started it Kawhi Leonard, they just don’t look the same with him on defense

[@michaeledwardsii6615]

@@emanueljames7801 Yeah that performance in game 1 of the 2017 WCF before he got hurt was all-time great performance on both sides of the ball! I never saw a wing that dominant on defense in a game on that stage

[@nadavlahat]

When the warriors connect, it's like watching the Borg, one shared mind working together... I've been watching basketball for, well, decades now, and can honestly say this has been my favorite team, no nostalgia required. On a good game, it's like watching a concert, a unity of individuals, a celebration of aesthetics, talent and style. And yes, I am a fan, of the beauty that is the team. I was confident the return of Klay can bring them all the way. It's just better looking basketball than anyone else, I hope beauty wins

[@SahlinAxel]

I love how you pointed out the defensive reads and adjustments Curry makes. Some people think of him as a "bad" defensive player, a lot of analytical people portray him as a "plus defender". But this video shows what he actually does. He's average if not a little above on ball (actually makes an effort), but as a help/team defender in this warriors scheme he's really good at reading and reacting. It's something that's often overlooked when talking about him in the grander view of basketball, he IS a good defensive player as well as, maybe the most influential offensive player of all time.

[@t4d0W]

It's been written many times but Steph's off ball defense is on a similar level like Larry Bird's. Bird could dissect the defenses play and disrupt key part of it at the right time at a consistent level. Steph is also doing it off ball where he's usually jumping passing lanes. But he's also making the right reads and knows when/HOW to help without 'over helping' (As Draymond would scream when he sees his teammates doing it).

[@jamesbudd1022]

People who say Curry is a bad defender are stuck in 2016 when he had to guard Irving. His defense has grown so much in the last 6 years.

[@matthewdutton9910]

So consistently good. This channel has broken physics, I swear I click on these videos faster than the speed of light.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Yup, you also watched it faster than speed of light. Finished a 9min video in less than a minute? What’s the secret!

[@Kyle-no4bc]

Just simple basketball, nothing science breaking

[@skiron5453]

@@Homer-OJ-Simpson You can also comment a video before finishing it. All he said was that he CLICKS on it fast

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Bro my thumb clicking on Ben's thumbnail is like Clint Eastwood drawing, fastest digit on KZbin.

[@jonacasals5]

Facts

[@judahherod7867]

The Warriors are somehow almost always operating at an offense movement level akin to the 2014 Spurs. It is the most beautiful, terrifying basketball. Cheering against them is like if Hamlet watched Shakespeare write Hamlet.

[@thompsonappliance3078]

When that thing gets rolling, it's hard to stop it.

[@judahherod7867]

@@thompsonappliance3078 As a LeBron bandwagoner who followed him to Miami and back to Cleveland then to LA, it is like a Van Gogh painted onto the front of a bullet train that you are tied onto the tracks of.

[@bryantrinidad8417]

those art references are like explaining abstract to your gf 5 yr old brother you know he wont get it but atleast you find ways to show-off

[@judahherod7867]

@@bryantrinidad8417 True

[@knifelegs2811]

Level to 2014 Spurs? Not even close. 2014 Spurs was a masterclass

[@CinemaSteve]

It’s funny how people say Mark Jackson could’ve done this and this is his team with Kerr getting lucky. Nah. They never looked like this under Jackson.

[@ricog2343]

night and day difference, one heavy iso, one doesn't want you to dribble much lol

[@ricog2343]

MJ gets credit for changing defensive culture in Golden State. we never had defense ever, no effort. fun games with high offense

[@Sotanath86q]

Mark Jackson is a janitor compared to Kerr.

[@CinemaSteve]

@@ricog2343 highest turnovers in the league under Jackson iirc too. Kerr said he had to grill Curry and Klay to stop turning the ball over. Bball breakdown did a video of how many seconds of isolation they used to have with no ball movement. It was crazy.

[@CinemaSteve]

@@ricog2343 yeah the don Nelson days were the days of let them score and we’ll score more. I’ll give Jackson that. But he couldn’t build this offense.

[@nmzhoops]

offball movement and multiple players who can put the ball down to attack closeouts are keys to beating the mavs aggressive defensive schemes. it also helps when looney capitalizes on his opportunities and gets you second looks by controlling the glass.

[@Honestbballfan]

I've been saying, golden state wins the finals, but no one believes me lmao

[@samn90834]

The attacking close outs thing is massive, the only good ball handler on the suns not named Chris or Devin is Cam Payne, but he is too much of a defensive liability for his offense to make up for. We saw how many tough fadeaways bridges ended up taking and missing. The warriors probably also only have 3 good ball handlers/creators, Steph, Poole and Wiggins, but everyone else relentlessly moves off the ball to create so much space

[@royalminstrel]

Looney will probably end up by far the most underrated element of the Warriors' dynasty. He's been invaluable as a "big" who can help them not get crushed on the boards but still be switchable enough that he can't be hunted in pick-and-roll and played off the court. His only meaningful limitation is that he can't shoot, but he's smart about his offensive movement and cutting and can pass better than the average big, even on-the-move passes which is rare in big men.

[@samn90834]

@@royalminstrel the on the move passes is key, teams can’t trap Steph because both of the warriors bigs can make the right pass out of the short roll, similarly even tho neither he or Draymond can shoot, if they’re left open they’ll just immediately run a hand off with one of the shooters, The offense is so flexible and basically uncounterable

[@TheUndefeatedOfTheEast]

@@royalminstrel the reason why looney is so good is becasue he wont allow the 3. It's been drilled Into his mind by draymond that guards are supposed to beat you to the rim. Don't fall for the hesitation and let them shoot open 3s, force them inside becasue most players will just kick out after they beat you on the drive.

[@Mr.BigNate]

It makes me proud to see how much true basketball kids get to see these days. Warriors basketball is the purest form of the game we've ever seen. Literally anyone (athlete) can jump out here mimic these plays, and find success at lower levels of play.

[@Davivd2]

In 30 years of watching basketball, this is the best offense I've ever seen played in the NBA. What's impressive is that the Warriors have to have every player buy in to what they are doing for this to work. If one person sits still when they should be moving, or moves to the wrong spot the whole offensive possession gets jammed up. It's really impressive how these guys play together on both ends of the court.

[@atomsk1972]

2014 Spurs ball movement was amazing, in some ways better than GSW.

[@adidasboy3207]

@@atomsk1972 Imagine if the spurs had Steph.

[@waynefrench9314]

Another thing, you are also learning things about the game that Ben is telling you. The more you know, the more exciting this game gets. 🏀♥️👍😎

[@Mark-nh3up]

@@atomsk1972 Kerrr copied Popovic game plan With a prominent Shooter truly deadly !!!

[@Sonoma_Coast]

That's why Kuminga is not playing. He was lost a lot on where to be and what to do.

[@Niopmahcheep]

I think Curry's defense in this game makes the reporter paise him as two-way player🤣 in post game interview

[@adidasboy3207]

That was pre game interview. But yes we will call him 2 way Curry soon.

[@JayMarvic]

Watching the game live, you see the movement and kind of overlook just how orchestrated the Warriors offense is. But this kind of analysis really opens your eyes to the level of difficulty defensively teams have to put up with on a nightly basis! Indeed, they are a different animal.

[@user-gc3qj7md8c]

Two words: Team. Basketball.

[@rebinneichalani314]

Baseball

[@mitchsn]

Hive mind defense. This requires complete buy in from all 5 players to know their roles and responsibilities. Beautiful.

[@dexterm2003]

Warriors are definitely on another level offensively and defensively. Wiggs is showing why he was an all-star starter. Looney is criminally underrated especially in the GSW system.

[@thunderb00m]

C'mon. Wiggs was an all star starter due to injuries. He's really good but not all start starter level.

[@rollspikegaming7459]

naaah wiggins is good but he ain't all star starter. There are few who deserves better than him in all star. He isn't better than BI actually..

[@goldenharp5415]

@@rollspikegaming7459 I think they’re about the same Wiggins is better at 3 and a bit better defender but BI is a better overall offense player

[@JP-ks7ey]

@@thunderb00m you trippin

[@alexnather7614]

THANK YOU STEVE KERR

[@PribumiNusantara45]

I would give props to Curry, not because his numbers but because he want to be a part of this masterclass but also exhausted gameplan. I mean, he's superstar that already hit his 30s, and he still want to be a part of that. Many superstar wouldn't want to do that kind off ball movement, help defense that produce almost zero stats for him but instead produce win for his team. Many superstar would just really on their skills and goes 1 on 1, but Curry's superstar status doesn't holding back for run that crazy gameplan. No ego, just want his team to win 👏

[@hugoabel8921]

i think my man’s happy to be included in anything other than shootingoffthe dribblebeingdoubleteamed for the last two years

[@brennomachado5585]

You can say Harden

[@alexnather7614]

THANK YOU STEVE KERR

[@SpacemanBandOfficial]

I'm a Cavs fan, but have always admired the synchronicity of the Warrior's core 3. The off-ball movement and offensive brilliance of Steph and Klay plus Draymond's all-around stellar IQ and floor control is just beautiful to watch.

[@jesseashton1269]

You've been giving excellent breakdowns for golden state's offense for over 3 years now I and still have to rewind the video every play to understand all the actions they run in a single possession😂😂

[@simpleme3278]

Awesome game review especially how you were able to point out Curry's defense... love it!

[@sedlyholmes3722]

Warriors in Regular season : chilling Warriors in playoffs : beast mode

[@guiyong]

Warriors against Memphis: trying to get rid of their chilling habits.

[@aitlin]

Wiggins is so good for his role. Looking like a real top draft pick now Or it's just a coaching stuff so good for finding him a role.

[@matthewmullins4046]

Coaching doesn't replace talent. It elevates it. Wiggins did not have the coaches that brought the best out of him until now

[@Zip-xc7tj]

@@matthewmullins4046 extremely well said

[@babibau2781]

@@matthewmullins4046 word

[@Flyhr]

He's a good 2nd to 3rd option guy. It's also funny seeing Wiggins go from 33% (under league average) career 3pt% to a 39% his last two seasons with GSW. Shows that he's taking better shots now... better system. He also had the best 3pt% on GSW this regular season.

[@Mark-nh3up]

@@matthewmullins4046 Finally Warriors help wiggins to find his role .... Timberwolves Dumped him Cavs dumped Him and now Warriors embrace him and he is one of the key player in the playoffs right now.

[@RicardoMil0s]

People forget that prior to the Warriors exploding onto the scene as they did in 2015, they had a similar player-type that they drafted to fulfill the same role in Harrison Barnes. The blueprint for how to use Wiggins on the team was always there but Wiggins lacked the chemistry and cohesiveness that Barnes had with Steph, Klay, and Draymond since they were all drafted and grew up on the same team. Barnes was also the primary wing defender for those early Warriors teams against opponent star players and Wiggins is basically taking that role up on this current version of the Warriors. After the team suffered injuries (Thompson, Curry, etc) and had inconsistent lineups for the past 2 years, Wiggins finally had time this season to fully gel with the original trio (as well as the ascension of Jordan Poole) and is committed to the role of being a better Harrison Barnes for the team. And you're seeing the results of it all in these playoffs. edit: a word

[@irishaarbear]

Wiggins is a far better defender than HB but i agree he lacks the offensive chemistry, though that has been growing lately.

[@Akaya7777]

@@irishaarbear forget offensive chemistry, I doubt Wiggins will ever miss as many wide open 3’s as Barnes did in the 2016 Finals. As long as he feasts off open looks then he’s by FAR a better fit than Barnes was, as you said he’s definitely a much better defender.

[@Rubyisbest]

Thanks to steph leader ship Wiggins really step up in time with their relationship obvs getting better everyday you have to catch their moments and see how Wiggins really want to fulfill his role as he looks up to stephs lesdership

[@NicoSuavemente]

@rcl Wiggins' 3 point shot has been huge actually. His percentage on open 3's is fantastic, and it forces defenders to play him all the way up to the line, which in turn opens up space for the other Warrior weapons. As long as he keeps shooting this well, I say shoot it!

[@RedCGaming12]

This facts!!

[@nuketurnal2]

curry is such an underrated defender. i love the part where him and draymond rushed to a mav at the end of 1st Q

[@floatingfacedown9691]

Ah yes, premier two-way superstar Stephen Curry lmao But for real though, for a guard in his mid-30s who never had remarkable top gear athleticism and who puts as many miles on his body running and juking the way he does, he should be commended for holding up on defense with his consistency and anticipation. I think it goes to show how truly great the Warriors system is for holding every defender accountable while also emphasizing how staying connected as a team is what elevates good players into a great all around defense.

[@kevin4xscoringchampdurant767]

Terrible defender compared to me

[@cdhui]

The play at 2:11 where Curry and Klay lock arms is completely under the radar and under appreciated. Curry also did it with Poole a few games back. Anyone ever seen that before in an NBA game?

[@samkelo3598]

Curry & Klay have done it before

[@Kakhsa]

I have thought this for several years….GSW are the Barcelona of basketball. When you think of the tenets of Pep Guardiola’s positional play (generating superiority by player and ball movement and rotation) it is very similar to what golden state do. As Pep once said, you move the ball to move the defense. GSW’s ball movement and player movement moves the defense around and creates gaps. It requires supreme awareness to stop them. This Finals series is going to be fascinating

[@camctrail]

If GS wins the championship this year, Steph, Klay and Dray establish themselves as the greatest & most accomplished trio of all time. There are a few all time great trios that have 3 rings, but none of them have 4

[@NikoBellic20080]

But KD was the best player on the warriors 3 of the those years

[@patsayjack402]

People forget so quickly. So Ginobli, Parker, and Duncan just don't exist anymore?

[@camctrail]

@@patsayjack402 true I forgot that they won 4 together, so ok maybe the 2nd greatest trio ever with an argument for the greatest. However Ginobili I think was a rookie when he got his first, they weren't exactly a trio at the time

[@eddyirategekanya336]

@@NikoBellic20080 he was not. Steph was always the best player and it's not even relevant becoz they have proven themselves without Durant

[@clover7726]

@@NikoBellic20080 He definetly was the best but Curry was by leaps and bounds more valuble than KD, Curry was the focus of the defense in all important games which allowed KD to step up. No Curry no rings for KD, we know what happens when KD gets those double teams like Curry has been getting his entire career... The man got swept by the Celtics.

[@oh11nathan]

They play with so much chemistry, sometimes I honestly think they’re just playing in a pickup mindset out there the way they mess up teams

[@NotBlackWolf]

Love seeing Currys defense get highlighted. 🙂

[@vigilurbis3394]

Golden State made Luka look clumsy and uncoordinated with their high-energy offense style of fast cuts and fast ball movement. Steph's endurance and conditioning alone are scary

[@jingqi9106]

The Warriors were second in the NBA in team defense this year and that motion offense that Kerr installed is pure genius given the Dub's all-time great shooters Steph, Klay, and the ascending JP. Draymond is a former defensive player of the year and is an excellent facilitator on offense. The Warriors core is healthy, playing well, and Wiggins is playing great D while playing above the rim when he attacks. I can't see how anybody will beat the Warriors, they peaking at just the right time.

[@Dylan-yb9tj]

As a warroirs fan whos watched them all season the only way that they lose is if they beat themselves. They do this by klay chucking up bad shots, draymond stopping open layups by fouling and then getting in foul trouble and the unbelievable amounts of turnovers that continue to be a problem with the warriors. Also for as good as the warriors were steph didn't really get it going so it's totally possible for the warriors to improve from this.

[@burcopresents]

You know how we lose? We commit turnovers and get cold from 3. Which is just Warriors suiciding. If Warriors play well, I don’t see them losing, but that’s the thing; there incredibly inconsistent.

[@reignsupreme7686]

The Celtics and heat D is scary

[@alexnather7614]

THANK YOU STEVE KERR

[@norestwicked6125]

The defensive hustle was actually their for The Mavs, it was the communication lapses that was the problem. Add clanking a ton of threes to that too. Curry is also a two-way player now too

[@lubo1358]

They also just made a ton of contested shots as well. When you do that it invites the overhelp and then gets you the easy backdoor cuts.

[@ClemintineCake]

Curry block into open layup like he's fucking Giannis. Is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen

[@camctrail]

Curry has always been an underrated defender. All the defensive metrics view him as average or a slight positive on that end, plus no below average defender could ever lead the league in steals like Steph did lol

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@camctrail He’s about as good as Iverson…. Good at steals with quick hands. Mediocre on ball. Lacks strength. Terrible interior and post defender. Hidden on defense from opposing star guards.

[@jdrmanmusiqking]

@@NikoBellic20080 Bot response you clearly dont watch the games. In *totality* Steph is a pretty good defender. Hes above average 1-1 and has improved every year. But where he shines is his team defensive contributions He speaks, moves well, and executes within the defensive scheme very well. Team defense is always overlooked but Steph is nice at it dont get it twisted

[@PhilipAnderson]

You just got another subscriber, this will help everyone including my wife understand how great the Warriors regally are! Fantastic content, on a level with Draymond Green’s show.

[@JP-ks7ey]

i'm new subscriber as well he did a great job

[@ricardoveromariguez7318]

Warriors best embody why the playoffs are a different season...and anything that happened in the regular season is just not comparable.

[@noobestofdamall]

They were right behind the 1st seed before Draymond got injured. They're just as good in the regular season when healthy.

[@t4d0W]

@@noobestofdamall Its more like as good as they are in the regular season and how poeple may nitpick at their game, in the postseason they amp it up to a much higher level. One that not many teams can keep up with them in a 7 game series as much as they want to use regular season metrics to justify it i.e. regular season record vs the Warriors. All that flies out of the window when its the Warriors core who knows how to operate in the postseason.

[@Artrey30]

bingo

[@udishomer5852]

They were just injured throughout the season (and still finished 3rd). Klay, Green and Curry all missed plenty of games.

[@jaydee5712]

Yeah they were for sure prioritizing health and then as soon as playoffs start they know how to flip that switch

[@panner11]

I really like the slow motion at 4:15 showing just how quick the defense deciding between guarding Steph or Klay can burn you in an instant.

[@reyesmarkjaycee5891]

This not only basketball, this is an orchestra a choreography on what warriors doing on the court its so beautiful that they always do this that's why warriors are fun to watch

[@JYNaRa2fly]

I hope you do a breakdown of the second game and show us what went wrong for the warriors in the first half and how they over came it. I love this content so much 😍

[@number9999]

I do honestly believe that Dallas beating Phoenix made it a lot more easier for Golden State to make it the finals, i'm not saying that GSW won't beat the Suns but them being against Dallas in the Western Conference finals is a better match up for GSW style of play. Luka is a menace on the court, but the Warriors defence is the perfect counter for him and Dallas as a whole. Memphis is a tougher opponent for Golden State in my opinion.

[@kevin4xscoringchampdurant767]

Of course it did. Suns coach sucks

[@blue-phoenix115]

Looney is perfect for guarding Luka because you need *slow* to counter _slow._ Reason why all of Luka's vanquished foes failed to guard him is because they foolishly insist on trying to counter _slow_ with fast or normal.

[@queenvioletrichards3633]

that's what most dubs analytics said so too. this series looney will be very useful since him being slow will be a blessing against luka's quick moves turnaround. didn't even think as a dubs fan that him being so lagged will be useful sometimes lol

[@JD-ny3vz]

Yea good point I think defenders need to slow down and not overreact to Luka I watch soany players like try to beat him to spots or jump before him just calm down, slow down. He'll still get his but it'll make it more difficult.

[@DiosanXaquerry]

@@JD-ny3vz exactly ...

[@toteispoe4]

Mavericks kept attacking Looney in Game 2, which was a mistake. They would have won the game if they'd stopped doing that.

[@antinapay]

Damn. So Kyle Anderson is the perfect luka stopper then

[@edwinchristiandaniel9199]

I really love everything you show us in your channel. This is one of my favorite basketball channels. It's quality filled and very informative as well.

[@notdonaldtrump1097]

I watch this videos and sometimes I can actually see some of the schemes they use in game. These are amazing!

[@Nandoswitharando]

I mean no disrespect to KD, but if you think about it they now have four finals appearances without him (I’m counting 2019 because he was injured). They never needed him, he was just a luxury, one hell of a luxury yes, but still just a luxury. The core of the team and a bunch of role players, this is how they won their first title.

[@gibster9624]

I still remember when this team was emerging there was analyst after analyst saying long range teams don't last in 7 game series. Just crazy that by comparison the Warriors outscore a lot of teams in the paint these days and shoot effeciently from 3 despite other teams shooting more from 3 than the Warriors. They move as one. Way too many teams rely too much on their superstar to generate something with the ball while the warriors are scarier when their superstars don't have the ball.

[@thedman05]

I’m honestly real happy for Wiggins. Everyone has always roasted the dude for not living up to his first pick status. But at gsw it looks like he’s genuinely happy and they have given him a role that not only suits his talents but also doesn’t pressure him with unrealistic expectations. He’s a good player they count on, and one that has become very reliable defensively that is a capable scorer that has brilliant flashes. He doesn’t need to be the best scorer to contribute to winning basketball

[@whatsyourpoint1facts942]

If you think he didn't live up to the number 1 pick you don't know basketball everyone that left the wolves has either won a ring or had a better career Wiggins is just in a place where he's not the number one and that's fine what bust averages damn near 20 a game 🙏🙏

[@OfficialJPryde]

@@whatsyourpoint1facts942 it’s okay to say he didn’t live up to his placement even though he’s become productive.

[@mowgli6345]

@@OfficialJPryde Saying someone didn't "live up" to something is just stupid imo. You set expectations for people you don't know and then criticize them for not meeting them.

[@Hikayuhuy]

I honestly love this team a lot just from the fact that we're integrating players that we overlooked and underutilized.

[@jdrmanmusiqking]

@@whatsyourpoint1facts942 Man i like Wiggins too but come on he definitely hasnt lived up to being #1 overall Hes in a great spot now and i love seeing that genuine smile of his but keeping it 100% a #1 overall is supposed to be a #1/2 option for a team

[@spacemountain5624]

Excellent breakdown. Yes, GS is a very different beast from the Suns. Not saying GS will win easily, but the Mavs aren't going to win easily, either.

[@Stocky_The_Demi_God]

GS off ball movement is so good bruh. I wish 2K would allow us to do that just as fluent as they do

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

This is why I will never fuck with the 2K games. I need my dream team to have as much extra passing as the 2014 Spurs.

[@pemulis808]

You guys do far and away the best of these analysis videos. So good!

[@joseenrico4753]

love the team basketball at its finest, even if you hate the warriors you have to respect their basketball motion offense

[@danielmcchesney301]

AMAZING! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS KEEP PUMPING THEM OUT. I love seeing the game in more depth and see the beauty of it all. And I always just waiting for your next post in the playoffs here. It is awesome. Keep putting them out

[@AyeYoYoYooo]

Warriors don’t just tire defenses out with lots of good ball movement. The Warriors also tire defenses out with downright frustratingly excessive amounts of ASSIST-TARGET-MOVEMENT. It’s how Steph & Klay can still have huge unseen impact in almost every game they’re on the court.

[@truthiscensored]

Great Offense is also another form of Great Defense... When you get blown out, you panic and forsake your game plan and start doing things uncharacteristic because you can't keep up with the other team scoring... And if you are losing real big, then you say "F" it, and can't wait til the game is over

[@t4d0W]

In the Warriors case the defense actually shows up when the Warriors offense has games when the shots aren't falling easy for a half or 3 quarters. Sure the opposing team may be up by 14 in the 4th quarter but when Steph/Klay heat up again AND they still play their best defense then, Warriors just will their way back. That is a testament of not only having a consistent playoff level defense but the flexibility to handle many match ups defensively with their talents.

[@oramonika9758]

As always excellent video. No fluff straight to the point, perfect editing of plays, professional sound equipment , highly knowledgeable. Absolutely underated.. Thank you Sir.. You're doing an incredible job

[@Raynaldiish]

And people say steve kerr cant coach, now i get that the players are great, but the system developed by kerr was what boosted this team

[@petermoon6559]

As a Suns fan, Warriors now are what we thought our team could have been in this stage, throughout the regular season. But alas, CP3 was not Steph, Bridges/Cam was not Green/Wiggins, etc. etc. Still an amazing rise since the bubble, but hope our players can learn a lot from that game 7. And also hope our board will get some more help for CP3. Anyhow, great video!

[@tyleralmquist7606]

6:21 During this play, after Steph sees that Brunson’s got it on the short roll, he immediately looks at Draymond for what he should do. That’s some trust right there lol. Edit: Changed some wording

[@priscillapartlow5047]

Anyone or everyone can critic Steph’s game which is undeniable and on the same note any team would love to have that guy play with them over 98% of any other player. This guy knows how to get it done with his team’s support. He never makes the game about him like the announcer or analyst do. Respect for Steph’s game, #TeamWarriors👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@aprilcamilleg.morillo3233]

The detail of this analysis is superb. Amazing video as always.

[@ahmorgan]

The Warriors have so many players that can knock down open shots, drive to the basket, two elite all time shooters, two elite shot creators, they rebound with the best of them and they're bought in on the system. This team is one of the greatest basketball teams ever and we all need to appreciate what we're witnessing. It's clear teams like PHX aren't anywhere close

[@guiyong]

It's nice to see that Looney seems to have found his role in this team, especially on the rebounding side. This has always been a weak point for GSW when facing big teams.

[@richintech8577]

Calling Curry a defensive liability is so 2015. Dude is an above avg defender for his size for a while. People just like to follow the casual narrative from years past.

[@NikoBellic20080]

So why doesn’t he guard opposing star guards ?

[@AliMohamed-yq4wn]

@@NikoBellic20080 why would you want to do that when you have Andrew Wiggins?

[@KUNA6634]

@@NikoBellic20080 What kind of dumb question is this? You think any coach who is looking to win a game is going to want to tire out his best player by making him guard the other team's star? LOL. The point is curry has improved his defense and he is no longer a liability. No one here is saying he is a jimmy butler lol

[@clover7726]

@@NikoBellic20080 Giannis is the best defender in the world and he never guards the oposing team best wings... Why? Not because he cant, hes one of the most efficient Isolation defenders in the NBA... its because his help defense and rim protection is soo good that guarding the paint fills more his role.

[@guiyong]

what always impresses me is his defensive rebounds, considering his size. It's like he either is lucky to be on the right side of the basket or sees where the ball is going to end up after missing the net, so many times.

[@ethanbrinberg3288]

great video. you really help explain the game in such a simple way.

[@Gc7788m]

great video showcasing their gameplay .ty!

[@WashedCoachWith3Chips]

You should do a finals match up breakdown with Boston & GS. Love your videos!

[@jangardini7909]

I hate them being so good, but nobody can deny the're playong great basketball

[@hr2079]

Great analysis. Thank you for sharing

[@lovewinson3]

SICK. Good work man.

[@derrickiverson8921]

People forget that the Warriors were the best defense in the league by a mile before Draymond’s injury

[@jnhg9808]

I remember before Green got hurt, the Warriors on pace to break the record of defense efficiency gap over the next best team.

[@goated.content]

Right, people associate the Warriors with high end offense idk why when they can struggle to put points on the board sometime. Also to your point, Payton II must have been a huge part of their defensive efficiency to start the season

[@jnhg9808]

As good as the Warriors defense have been this year, I think the Warriors can be even better next year defensely, JK & Moody gonna improve defensely with more experience, and James Wiseman will be the Dub's own version of Jerren Jackson, an uber athletic 7 footer that protect the rim.

[@boondockbwoy14]

Indeed they lost sight of that

[@piripiao245]

Draymond easily could've won that DPOY award unanimously if not for his injury AND the Warriors would've won more games if the big three was healthy all season long, better late than never I guess, paying dividends now and it shows

[@zahernazzal5391]

Really Amazing content. The game is more complex than anticipated, and it appears that few teams can master it; GSWs are at the top.

[@Iiftedmindstate]

Great analysis and breakdown of the game. Keep the content comin 👍

[@francesco5254]

What a beautiful video. You truly managed to make me appreciate the art of defence.

[@Faigmani06]

Chemistry, discipline, respect, accept corrections, to be humble each member - that's what team should have to become successful as a team, and that's what gsw has.

[@waynefrench9314]

As well as a great coach. Right, without him they would be just warriors, but with him there WARRIORS who come to play. Let's rock 🏀😆♥️👍😎 Man I love this game.

[@danielservin4336]

People have been shitting on Wiggins but he is the most important piece of the warriors winning the chip. I’m glad he’s found a home that been able to see his value

[@XWDaniel]

Whenever Think Basketball post and I listen 💪🏽

[@aaronTNGDS9]

Excellent commentary and visuals to explain and show how unique GS teamplay is and how flexible AND tight their defense is.

[@agregs30]

The recovery awareness of the warriors is insane. Potential breakdowns get plugged immediately. Players that may have over rotated immediately know where to recover to plus the great communication on early switches

[@lewisk3725]

These kind of analysis makes me appreciate the game more as an average viewer. I look forward to see how Dallas can adapt against the Warriors.

[@thunderb00m]

I don't think Dallas can do much apart from getting the hot hand for a game or two and nail those 3s. The bigger question is if the warriors can be consistent. If they can, they easily win.

[@yoyoyobottleoyos]

I let out a lot of thankful breaths for Dallas missing open shots. I was pleased to see the Warriors take advantage and build a lead, but I was expecting the Mavs to get hot at some point and make it a game. Perhaps all the little things added up to make it a tougher game for the Mavs, but I certainly wouldn’t expect them to be as cold as they were in Game 1. That being said, Steph and Klay were not effective until the 2nd half. The rest of the Warriors stepped up and got it done. I think their depth is really where they have an advantage. If the Warriors are able to get full-throttle, it’s tough to see them losing to anyone remaining in the playoffs.

[@tonytran9787]

That was an awesome breakdown!! Keep it up man 👍

[@stranger3135]

this is next level analysis man, subscribed

[@pasandesilva2295]

Looks like it's gonna be a sweep in the WCF! Mavs need to pull a 2016 WCF warriors!

[@donnalising6600]

Warriors bastketball both on offense and defense is just amazing.💛

[@LucasCBC]

Thanks for the insights. Loving basktball

[@tonycockerham6971]

EXCELLENT BREAK-DOWN!!

[@apollosroman8784]

Steph's gone from a defensive negative, to defensively neutral, to now a slight defensive plus. I think that his defense has somewhat negated his decrease in shooting efficiency.

[@ArmandoMPR]

Curry was so impressive defensively during that first half when both teams were feeling out each other. His help defense was amazing. He might be the team’s 3rd best defender after Dray and Wiggs. The Young Glove is better, but he’s still out.

[@gh-co1uk]

Thompson's defense is not as it used to be, but his defense is amazing already

[@gh-co1uk]

There's also Otto Porter

[@MrJlaklak]

Still 6th best in warriors behind #1green #2 Wiggins #3 Looney #4 Thompson #5 Payton. But he’s excellent help defender and average one on one player

[@multi_rosa]

excellent analysis and fun to watch 🤘

[@lukaszepesi]

Love the videos on the Warriors, watching them react so quickly on defense is amazing.