Since the beginning of this series, Steve Kerr and Darvin Ham engage in a fearsome game of chess. During Game 1, the Warriors had minimized the pick & roll with Stephen Curry, preferring to bet on their game made of movements. But the Lakers’ defense on the “Splash Brothers” with Anthony Davis protecting the circle forced them to up their pick-and-roll dose.
First using Draymond Green in Game 2, paired with JaMychal Green to create more space. Except that Darvin Ham then responded to Game 3 by putting Jarred Vanderbilt on Draydmon Green to be able to “switch” on these actions, taking his opponent’s “fool” in the process.
Bet on your heavy pieces while advancing your pawns
Steve Kerr’s answer in Game 4? Insert Gary Payton II in his starting five, for his defense (especially on D’Angelo Russell) and the threat he brings near the circle. All while abusing the pick & roll with Stephen Curry and the player defended by Anthony Davis to get him out of the racket. The leader thus launched 48 pick & rolls in this match, including 24 to target the pivot of the Lakers. Darvin Ham responded by putting Anthony Davis on Andrew Wiggins, and switching on those actions in the final three minutes. All while advancing a pawn that no one saw coming: Lonnie Walker IV.
Despite the loss, the Warriors were generally happy with their plan, except for one detail. By abusing the pick & roll with Stephen Curry, the other Warriors lost their rhythm. Last night, during Game 5, Steve Kerr managed to find the right balance between pick & roll, movement, and the use of his second knives.
“Traditionally, we always play more pick & rolls during the playoffs. Tonight we didn’t play as many as we did in Game 4. The goal is always to find the right formula, and what matters most to us is what we do after the pick and roll,” explained Steve Kerr. ” If Steph can’t find his shot, the movement of that action and the reaction of the defense will open up other possibilities like a shot for Klay, for Jordan, or Wiggs (Andrew Wiggins). Whether it’s moving offense or pick & roll, you’re trying to catch two defenders and get the ball alive. If our spacing is good and we make good decisions, we can be effective in both cases. »
A more creative Steph Curry
This strategy obviously rests a lot on the shoulders of Stephen Curry. After being a scorer against Sacramento, Stephen Curry takes on the costume of a pure playmaker against the Lakers, delivering 8 or more assists in three of the five games, to control the tempo of the meeting.
“In this series, the Lakers defense is really good. They are excellent near the circle. We have to move the ball to move their defense.” describes Steve Kerr. “Steph is aware of this and knows he needs to be more creative. »
Unlike Game 4, once the first action was initiated by Stephen Curry, the other Warriors were much more aggressive towards the circle. Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins scored 45 points between them, including 13/20 inside the key and 8 of 8 on free throws, to put pressure on the Lakers defense.
” Offensive ! » simply summarizes Draymond Green. “The way they defend Steph and Klay, I know I have to be aggressive on both sides of the court. Whether it’s taking shots when they’re open, attacking the circle, or defending as the aggressor. It’s the same for Andrew Wiggins. He was extremely aggressive tonight. When he plays like that, we are hard to beat. We have to do the same outside. »
This aggressiveness was also present in defense. The Warriors managed to pull away in the first half, scoring 16 points on the Lakers’ 8 stray balls. As often, Draymond Green also pushed hard, even after a field goal, to try to attack before the Los Angeles defense was in place.
At -18 at the start of the third quarter, Darvin Ham then opted to switch on all picks & rolls. The Warriors initially struggled to adjust.
On numerous occasions, Stephen Curry has sunk too far into the opponent’s racquet. Surrounded by a forest of arms, it was difficult for him to finish in the circle. He had the choice between shooting from mid-range and making the ball live, he opted for the second option, but the address had fled his teammates (2/14 in the second half).
One-on-one after the exit of Anthony Davis
With the Lakers on the verge of restarting the match, Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry then decided to play it simpler and let the leader play in isolation against Austin Reaves or Dennis Schröder.
This last adjustment, often ignored, is nevertheless fatal for the opposing defenses. Without the exit of Anthony Davis on injury, the Warriors may not have opted for this solution. They did and Stephen Curry did not disappoint, scoring 7 straight to kill the game and send the series back to Los Angeles for Game 6.
If the Warriors can continue to find the right offensive formula and can count on two or three players to support Stephen Curry, then they can hope to return to Chase Center for Game 7.
Steve Kerr and Darvin Ham therefore continue their game of chess. The Warriors coach has just stopped his clock. That of Darvin Ham has just started, and we will discover his next move on the night from Friday to Saturday.
Interview in San Francisco.
