NBA Playoffs: 4 Things We’ve Learned About the Warriors

Apr 26, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) holds onto a rebound against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Nuggets 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Warriors have a firm grip on the Nuggets at 3-1, they’re looking to put them away in Denver. As usual, however, it’s not going to be such an easy task. The Warriors’ only loss of the series was by two in Denver, so arguably, they should have already won the series. That’s not true, however, game one set the tone of the series, but the Warriors really changed it by coming out and being more aggressive. If they had won that game, things could be completely different right now.

What we know about the Warriors is that they’re an incredible shooting team, who will put on an offensive barrage. In the playoffs, however, it’s all about adapting to a team so you can find a way to counteract the new strategy they’re using. So far, the Warriors have done that with seemingly no wholes. In the first game of the series, all of the Warriors’ youngsters were developing their playoff legs. Now, however, they’re looking to attack the Nuggets consistently, all while being able to handle some of the pressure well.

What We’ve Learned:

1. The Dubs Don’t Give Up:

If we’ve learned anything new about the Warriors, it’s that they don’t ever quit. Losing a leader in David Lee in game one, the Warriors battled back hard to make a comeback, only to lose on the last possession. Did they pout or give up? No, instead, they deployed a new strategy, which lead to a 64% shooting night, and the rout of the best home team in the NBA. In games three and four, they followed up by being able to account for the Nuggets’ new defensive strategies, and took both games. When the Nuggets were up by 12 at halftime in game two, they simply refused to comeback, and then outscored Denver 33-18 in the third quarter.

2. They’re Coach-able:

None of the Warriors success is possible without a good coach. Mark Jackson has really helped the Warriors out. He knows the strategies, but it’s up to his players to run them. On defense, the Warriors would fight through the screen, while occasionally having to switch. The only offensive players that the Nuggets really had were Ty Lawson, Corey Brewer, and Andre Iguodala. The Warriors can live with those players taking low percentage shots. Jackson has really taught the Warriors well.

3. They Can Plan Under Pressure:

During the regular season, a couple of Warriors like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were able to score game winners, but who knew that the Dubs could play under pressure. They did win a lot of close games, but that was because they had nearly blown a huge lead. In the playoffs, however, whenever the Nuggets make an advance to cut the lead, the Warriors fight back with a barrage of 3-pointers. Stephen Curry, usually, is the ones who hits these, but he can get his teammates involved. Teams need mentality to do this, and now, the Warriors have that mentality.

4. They’re Deep:

The Warriors are a very deep team and I’m just now learning that. This series, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes have been pretty consistent. In game three, however, Klay Thompson only scored six points, but Barnes was able to back him up with 19 points. In game four, Klay Thompson scored 13, while Barnes had just two. If one of them has a bad shooting night, the Warriors are deep enough to still win the game. Also, Jarrett Jack has also come to play this series.