Through his podcast “ The Old Man and the Three“, JJ Redick is used to talking about NBA news while bringing very interesting elements to it. In his last episode, the ex-shooter – accompanied by Suns winger Mikal Bridges – returned to the difficulty of defending the Warriors attack. A sequence that shows the big challenge imposed on the Celtics in these Finals 2022.
As often, the defense is at the heart of the strategies of the two teams to win these NBA Finals. How to limit opponent scorers? That’s what the Celtics have to ask themselves. While they had managed to win Game 1 despite a big Steph Curry, the Greens took the blowback in Game 2 with another hell of a volley conceded in the third quarter time. But they are obviously not the first nor the last to struggle against the Californian machine, the best in offensive efficiency on these Playoffs (115.7 points per 100 possessions). Well placed to talk about it after having faced these Warriors quite a few times during his playing career, JJ Redick takes out his analyst cap to explain how effective the Golden State system is in undermining defenses, even for those which are the best organized:
“They have the highest assist percentage in the NBA. They are also the least dribbling, no team dribbles so little. Each Golden State player averages 2.8 seconds on the ball before making a pass. This is once again the lowest average in the League. And finally, it is the team which makes the most “hockey assists” (pass which precedes the decisive pass). »
– J.J. Redick
A set of statistics that demonstrate how formidable the collective game of the Warriors can be, especially at its top level. A game of ball movements to create space, players moving through the screens, all to destabilize the defense and get the best shot, as Redick explains just after. You want to try a trap on Steph? Attention, it shifts the leather faster than its number.
“Of course it has to do with the threats that Curry and Thompson represent. But the way they can change defenses just by moving the ball and moving around is like doing athletics. You spend your time chasing the ball, trying to keep up with the players. »
An attacking game that forces teams to develop very reactive and disciplined defensive systems. Because with the quality of Californian shooters, each error is paid cash. Yet recognized as a solid defender in the NBA, Mikal Bridges rebounds on the words of his host and confirms this impression, he who faced the Warriors several times this season and therefore tasted the devilishly effective game of former NBA champions. Superstar Kevin Durant is certainly no longer there today, but the threats are numerous, notably via Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins.
“If the five defenders are not united in a defensive system, if one guy does not follow, they plunge immediately into the rift. There are Steph and Klay, but also Wiggins who is a hit. »
– Mikal Bridges
If we knew that defending the Warriors attack was hell for any team, this analysis based on advanced statistics further reinforces the feeling of collective power that emanates from Golden State. A well-rehearsed attack, which the Celtics will however have to limit three more times if they do not want to see the title escape them.
The years go by, but some things don’t change. The collective game of Golden State is still brilliant in the Playoffs, and it is the opposing defenses that pull the grimace. So hang on, gentlemen Celtics, because these Warriors have no plans to slow down for the rest of the series.
Source texte : Podcast The Old Man and the Three / ESPN
