Golden State Warriors: Keeping It Simple Is Key To Advancing
The Golden State Warriors got back to basics in Game two of their Western Conference Finals playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, resulting in a huge series tying victory.
When the final seconds ticked off the clock of the Golden State Warriors‘ 108-102 game one loss against the Thunder, the look of bewilderment and utter shock could be seen on the multitude of faces throughout Oracle Arena.
The members of “DubNation” — the Warriors’ passionate, loyal, and loud fanbase — were left looking for answers. The effects of seeing “Their Warriors” lose at Oracle (better known as Roar-Acle), had many in the normally raucous and joyous crowd at a loss for words — and looking for answers about how that could have happened.
The Warriors’ disjointed play in the second half of that game was a severe jolt to the system to the crowd at Oracle. The number of “Showtime” plays and errant pass attempts by Golden State led to a “Thunderous” comeback by Oklahoma City.
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Attempting highlight-reel passes, while ignoring higher percentage shots in the paint, and too often taking the contested three-point shot, ultimately cost the Warriors the game. Too many times the behind-the-back or telegraphed pass would end up in the hands of the Thunder, sparking an easy fast-break dunk or lay-up.
Even the MVP, Stephen Curry, was too loose with the rock, committing half (7) of the Warriors’ 14 turnovers.
Cutting down on their turnovers and getting back their usual fluid ball movement — which was their trademark during their record bolt thru the regular season — was the Warriors’ key to victory on Thursday night.
The ball movement was essential in allowing the Warriors to get higher percentage looks on the offensive end, while also giving them better floor balance defensively, which allowed them to better defend the Thunders’ deadly fast-break attack.
The improved ball movement really became beneficial in the third quarter, when Curry blistered the Thunders’ defense with 17 back-breaking points. The quick but deadly explosion by Curry has become so customary, it has little-to-no effect on Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr.
"“Business as usual,” Kerr was quoted by si.com, when asked what was special about this particular burst from Curry. “This is what he does,” Kerr said."
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Curry’s team-high 28 points led a Warriors offense that kept things simple and precise. When Golden State plays within themselves like that, they are almost impossible to beat — especially at Oracle.
But at times during the regular season they fell victim to always trying to make the “Big Splash.” They went for the behind-the-back pass when a simple bounce pass would have sufficed.
The Warriors’ game one debacle was a reminder, that sloppy unfocused basketball in the playoffs, versus a highly athletic and explosive team like the Thunder, can be detrimental to your playoff life. Seeing Russell Westbrook blazing down the court, with the ball in his hands can spell doom for any team.
So playing careless, sloppy basketball is a bad recipe to use if the Warriors want to advance to their second consecutive NBA Finals.
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The one constant in this incredible Golden State season has been their ability to avoid any form of slump or losing streak. Their ability to bounce back after a tough loss has been amazing all year. So their impressive game two romp was somewhat expected. Yet still good to see.
Now it’s on the Warriors to maintain what they’ve been doing all year, which is play “Warriors Basketball” and keep it simple.