Poor Shot Selection?
This is the postseason. This is where big-time players make big-time plays for big-time teams. The best perform at their best. They execute at their best. What is a glaring issue that may shoot (no pun intended) Golden State in the foot? Their lack of “smart” shots.
The Warriors love to push their offense at a fast pace. Three-pointers and athletic plays, such as lobbed alley-oop dunks, are where they make their money. I will admit, Thompson and Curry are two incredible shooters and can score from nearly anywhere on the floor regardless of what type of coverage they are seeing. Still, they shoot early in the shot clock on a frequent basis. If they are good, open shots, then of course, go for it. Drain the trey all day. Yet, some of their attempts would drive any coach insane if Curry and Thompson did not have miraculous luck on their side at times.
Kind of like this play, for example:
I already know what Warriors fans would say about shots such as Curry’s game-tying corner three-ball against the New Orleans Pelicans: “But it was a desperation shot and it tied the game with one second to go.” Yes, of course. That was a great and necessary shot. But when it is halfway through the second quarter and Curry or Thompson pulls up from 35 feet with double-coverage on them, spins around, and attempts a fade-away “J,” that is not smart basketball. It is terrible shot selection. Deeper into the postseason, those types of shots will not fall through the hoop on a consistent basis–no matter how lucky the shooter may be.
Apr 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) scores a basket defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Teams that earn a trip to the Conference Finals and/or NBA Finals have excellent execution almost each trip down the floor. You do not see the San Antonio Spurs throwing up such ill-advised shots. Think about it. Even though the Warriors have been getting VERY lucky this season on offense, outstanding defensive teams, such as the Memphis Grizzlies, will end that run of luck. Memphis is familiar with Curry, Thompson, and the Golden State Warriors. The Californian team is not about to pull a fast one over on Grizz Nation–let that be understood. The Grizzlies will be displaying their stifling defense, plus fans of both teams already realize that this semifinal series will be an extremely physical battle throughout each and every game.
The Memphis Grizzlies play smart and efficient basketball. They would not have reached a 55-win total had they not played such efficient ball. The Grizz are infamous for primarily looking for offense on the inside of the arc and in the painted area as well as playing incredible defense. They work for the offense, although sometimes it may seem to be a struggle–especially with Conley missing. Memphis must punish Golden State by utilizing their strong frontcourt to gain leverage in this series beginning in Game 1.
When it comes to smart basketball and efficient game play, look for the Memphis Grizzlies to take advantage from the start of this series.
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