It's been five matches since Steve Kerr changed his major five, following a knee injury to Jonathan Kuminga, by integrating Tracey Jackson-Davis to team up with Draymond Green inside.
Since the match against Orlando, but we haven't been able to see the effects since, that evening, Draymond Green was sent off after only three minutes of play…
But since then, this association has been very interesting for the Warriors. The victory in Houston is further proof of this. “Together, they changed our team”, judge bluntly Steve Kerr. “It’s striking. Trayce's rim protection and rebounding bring a lot to us, and to Draymond too. »
Draymond Green as a defensive free agent
With Dale Davis' son in the back, Draymond Green has more “freedom” on defense. He has security behind him, like in the old days with Kevon Looney, Andrew Bogut or David West, and this allows him to multiply his efforts and it is in this configuration that he is strongest.
“I can take more risks, not necessarily try to bet on interceptions, but to be in the racket or make additional rotations,” analyzes the four-time champion. “If I am the pivot, I am the last defender. So it's hard to defend like I do, because I'm everyone's pillar. If I'm going to make a cover, then I leave the basket unprotected. There, I know Trayce is there, so I can go. »
It is therefore no coincidence that, over the last four matches, he has averaged 3 interceptions. In the same sequence, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Draymond Green played together for 73 minutes and the figures are convincing: a +/- of +27 and a defensive efficiency of 92.5 points conceded over 100 possessions.
“It allows me to put more pressure on the ball carrier. As I have someone who can protect the rim, block shots, I can go out on shooters in a stronger way,” continues Draymond Green. “We trust each other. I know that if I get beaten, he's there. He too, if he is overwhelmed, he knows that I will be there. »
“Trayce fills this role and gives Draymond more freedom to be a pest on the field, going to help, attacking the ball carriers because he can count on a presence behind,” adds Stephen Curry.
What to do with the return of Jonathan Kuminga?
Offensively too, this association has effects, especially with the performances of Trayce Jackson-Davis. He is very good at walking near the circle, to provoke or find spaces. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul or Green to serve him, all he has to do is go up to the circle. He scored 20 points at 8/10 shooting against the Rockets and averaged 12.3 units at 71% success over the last four matches.
“Trayce has done a remarkable job of learning to be aggressive, to pick his positions,” slips Stephen Curry. But with the return of Jonathan Kuminga, what will the coach's decision be? “We decided this for years: if we play well, we keep the same five major”specifies Steve Kerr.
Because putting Jonathan Kuminga in the middle of Trayce Jackson-Davis and Draymond Green would hamper the spacing too much because none of the three is a real threat at 3-points.
“If we do that, then Stephen and Klay Thompson will have to be on the floor,” warns the coach. “There will be a spacing problem, that’s for sure. But it's something we can think about. »
