If you were to observe the first half of the Golden State Warriors’ electrifying victory over the New Orleans Pelicans — particularly the first quarter — you might not expect the game to conclude as a showcase of defensive prowess, where the Warriors limited the Pelicans to 110.4 points per 100 possessions (ranking them eighth in the league for points allowed per 100 possessions, albeit early in a season with a limited sample size). Furthermore, they managed to score an impressive 129.2 points per 100 possessions against the Pelicans, a remarkable achievement given that Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins were absent.
Despite the fact that the first quarter ended with the Pelicans leading 31-14, several possessions throughout the quarter hinted at the imminent challenge the Warriors would present to the Pelicans. The elements necessary for victory were evident; what was required was the transformation of these elements into a consistent offense supported by equally reliable defense. The defense was not just apparent; it was dominant. It simply needed to be paired with offensive effectiveness.
Consider the Warriors’ initial defensive possession of the evening against the Pelicans, which concluded with a successful mid-range jumper from Brandon Ingram. While this counts as a scoring possession statistically, the process underlying the play merits deeper examination despite its outcome. The first possessions offer insights into the teams’ defensive schemes, energy levels, efforts, and other intangible factors that serve as valuable indicators and data points.
The following possession illustrates this:
Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody execute a switch on the screen involving CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, followed by a side ball screen from Zion Williamson for Ingram. Draymond Green steps up more aggressively than is typical in drop coverage — known as “up to touch” or a screen-level step up — reflecting the Warriors’ strategic intent to limit Ingram’s space around screens, without fully committing two players to the ball. A handoff between Ingram and Herb Jones triggers another switch, with Buddy Hield taking over on Ingram in the post. Hield effectively denies Ingram any room to maneuver. As the shot clock winds down, Ingram is compelled to create a scoring opportunity out of a challenging situation — which he accomplishes, showcasing his scoring abilities.
What we can glean from this play is that the Warriors employed a slightly aggressive (though not overly so) approach against Ingram during ball-screen situations, while switching on all players except Green or Trayce Jackson-Davis (essentially switching positions 1-3). This strategy allowed them to bleed the shot clock to a point where the Pelicans had to rely on sheer talent to secure points, which, while an acceptable offensive approach, is generally not sustainable.
Now, let’s examine the next defensive possession:
Podziemski’s effort around the screen hinders the execution of the set play. Williamson comes over to set the ball screen, and once again Green steps up slightly higher than his typical drop-coverage position — indicating that McCollum also requires more attention than would be given in a standard deep drop.
When the ball is passed to Williamson in the post, pay attention to Moses Moody’s positioning:
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OgBMYVD7Wkqboi2tbFbq0jIe07U=/0x0:1920×1080/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706202/Nail.jpg 320w
To protect the valuable real estate space
Positioned at the center, Moody provides assistance at the “nail,” which is the area near the middle of the free-throw line. Even though Ingram is one pass away, Moody and the Warriors feel assured that if Williamson passes to Ingram, the length of the pass allows Moody enough time to recover. This situation unfolds perfectly, as Moody manages to strip the ball, leading the Warriors to force a 24-second violation.
However, the same “nail” help creates an opportunity for Ingram to hit a rhythm three on the next possession:
The key term here is “rhythm.” Whenever the Warriors successfully disrupted the Pelicans’ rhythm, it contributed to building defensive momentum, regardless of the outcome. They were accumulating positive defensive possessions and did not let the impressive shooting from Ingram and Williamson affect them.
What mattered most was adherence to their strategy, complemented by execution, force, effort, and energy. This strategy involved minimizing middle penetration as much as possible or, at the very least, congesting the middle with players to force passes to the perimeter—an especially challenging task for the Pelicans, given their limited number of skilled passers and decision-makers.
The Warriors’ depth extends beyond their offense—their defense benefits from the inclusion of a healthy Gary Payton II, who appears to be back to his 2022 form. When the Pelicans run Ingram off a screen (after Daniel Theis fakes a ball screen up top), Payton drops back to contest Ingram at the nail, allowing Jonathan Kuminga to recover. Hield also pressures Ingram, prompting a pass to Jordan Hawkins. Hawkins’ attempt to drive to the basket is thwarted as Payton returns to help at the nail, resulting in a jump ball.
The Warriors were fully committed to sending extra defenders toward the Pelicans’ shooters and accepted the outcome as long as they could increase the difficulty of the shots or take the ball out of their hands.
Another example is Green and Kevon Looney teaming up to challenge Williamson. The Warriors focused on preventing Williamson from driving down the center of the paint, which Green achieves by temporarily aiding Looney before quickly recovering to contest Theis. Looney maintains control, but Williamson pivots right, attempting to create a scoring opportunity.
It would have been easy to feel discouraged by such remarkable shot-making, yet it was evident that the Warriors chose not to linger on past possessions. They viewed each half-court scenario as a chance to initiate their preferred transition offense, maintaining their belief. The foundation for defense was there; they just needed to find a way to convert stops into points. Perhaps the following play reinforced their belief that their efforts were worthwhile:
Hield effectively stays with Hawkins around the screen (“lock-and-trail”), gets in front, and contests the shot, forcing a miss—which triggers the fast break. Hield fills the lane, draws the defender into the air, and successfully hits a three-pointer—one of seven that contributed to his 28-point total, with 19 of those points coming in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors’ confidence in their methodology led to increasing success—exemplified by their aggressive tactics against Ingram, McCollum, and Williamson (i.e., trapping Ingram and McCollum near the sideline and providing extra help against Williamson):
They alternated defensive coverages against high ball screens using a conventional drop setup, positioning Green to suffocate Williamson in the paint:
Additionally, there are nuanced details woven into their larger defensive strategies. Weak-side defense had been a challenge for the Warriors in previous seasons—a crucial area they needed to refine. During rotations, it is essential that they avoid committing two players to one opponent to prevent easy swing passes to nearby teammates.
They’ve been
By being attentive and executing the “X-out” concept effectively, teams can address previous weaknesses on the weak side. This concept is named “X-out” because the close-out movements create an “X” shape.
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2vDWfi0Jg50Mo5xtkrXVqfml8Ig=/0x0:1920×1080/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h-TScdKm5VsJwMmCNpD7bNwRn5Y=/0x0:1920×1080/520×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7W1CZuXusozhoyuKhzels7B52P8=/0x0:1920×1080/720×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 720w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t-Xv5bcBLcF8Pz_ymQ1xrhfNBo4=/0x0:1920×1080/920×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 920w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rul93EyiizUPaInJe7oVCaMRnGE=/0x0:1920×1080/1120×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 1120w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j-_CCU_DH-AMIweBM1hb_GHp7VE=/0x0:1920×1080/1320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 1320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OtKwnJ3IO8bUU7wzzsC124GUCgs=/0x0:1920×1080/1520×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 1520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6fg9KtQnopr6BGR6LDx6abbvCzY=/0x0:1920×1080/1720×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706369/x_out.jpg 1720w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0oU7yWAZPSC8m4NAL4DKpYsYCtM=/0x
By effectively executing the “x-ing out” technique, weak-side defenders like Podziemski and Lindy Waters III can simultaneously guard two players, quickly eliminating open shot opportunities. This strategy also allows them to perform a strong-side corner help/”peel” switch with ease:
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jLuoYhmynDrFa4LrdmwsNpm9nKU=/0x0:1920×1080/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706375/peel.jpg 320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wNBzDugX1Y77t1jISvcTq99Tf-g=/0x0:1920×1080/520×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706375/peel.jpg 520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fJLoeQ1U-eFUCT8AcTyhe9ASqeg=/0x0:1920×1080/720×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706375/peel.jpg 720w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MpR6j3EIEvj-VCMCf4wHdcKGW4Y=/0x0:1920×1080/920×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706375/peel.jpg 920w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GTttP-uyfEtlMAo9G4FotBXPN78=/0x0:1920×1080/1120×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920×1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25706375/peel.jpg 1120w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1J8nz87MyT4Dp9qkEEUGRFEGpYM=/0x0:1920×1080/1320×0/filters:focal(0x0:1920…
This leads to what I believe is one of the finest defensive sequences of the game:
The Warriors appear to be cultivating something special on the defensive end. The offense displayed itself in ways that were quite unexpected, yet the irony lies in the fact that their approach of accumulating stops was what many anticipated from them at the season’s onset. However, it is reasonable to wonder about the sustainability of a team that heavily relies on continuous defensive stops for its offensive production. There must still be a component of half-court offense, particularly during gritty games where transition chances are limited.
This is where having a healthy Curry, and to a somewhat lesser yet significant degree, Andrew Wiggins, becomes crucial. The combination of a relentless defense and an effective offense is a formula for contending for a championship — a glimpse of which was showcased against the Pelicans.
# Defensive Resurgence: How the Warriors Overcame Early Struggles to Dominate the Pelicans
## The Early Season Challenges
The Golden State Warriors faced significant challenges early in the season, grappling with a combination of injuries, inconsistent performances, and a lack of defensive cohesion. This rocky start raised questions about their championship aspirations and ignited discussions among fans and analysts alike. Here, we’ll explore how they transformed their game to ultimately dominate their rivals, the New Orleans Pelicans.
### Key Factors in Early Struggles
– **Injuries**: Key players, including their star guards, faced injuries that disrupted team chemistry.
– **Defensive Lapses**: The Warriors struggled to maintain defensive intensity, resulting in high-scoring games against them.
– **Offensive Disruption**: An inability to establish a consistent offensive rhythm contributed to their lackluster start.
## The Turning Point: Emphasizing Defense
The turning point for the Warriors came when they prioritized defensive strategies and worked meticulously to address their shortcomings. Let’s delve into the strategies that led to their resurgence.
### Strategic Adjustments
1. **Defensive Schemes**: The coaching staff implemented new defensive schemes that emphasized switching and help defense.
2. **Rotational Changes**: By tweaking player rotations, the Warriors found combinations that maximized defensive efficiency.
3. **Player Accountability**: Emphasizing individual defensive responsibilities created a culture of accountability.
### Key Defensive Improvements
The Warriors made remarkable improvements on the defensive end, impacting their overall performance. Below are the notable statistics highlighting their defensive resurgence:
| **Defensive Stat** | **Before Resurgence** | **After Resurgence** |
|—————————-|———————–|———————–|
| Opponent Points Allowed | 120.5 | 102.3 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 28.4 | 34.7 |
| Steals | 6.5 | 9.8 |
| Blocks | 4.1 | 6.0 |
## Team Chemistry and Communication
### Building Team Cohesion
As the Warriors worked on their defense, another critical factor was building team chemistry and communication. Here’s how they achieved this:
– **Practice Sessions**: Increased focus on defensive drills during practice sessions helped players understand their roles.
– **On-Court Communication**: Encouraging vocal leadership from key players ensured that everyone was on the same page.
– **Team Meetings**: Regular team meetings allowed players to discuss challenges and strategies openly.
### Importance of Leadership
The leadership of veteran players like Draymond Green and Stephen Curry played a vital role in steering the team through rough patches. Their experience and commitment to defensive play inspired younger players to elevate their games.
## Defensive Matchup: Warriors vs. Pelicans
The Warriors were particularly effective in their games against the Pelicans, showcasing their defensive prowess. Analyzing specific matchups reveals how they exploited the Pelicans’ weaknesses.
### Key Matchups
1. **Draymond Green vs. Zion Williamson**: Green’s versatility allowed him to effectively guard Williamson, limiting his scoring opportunities.
2. **Gary Payton II vs. CJ McCollum**: Payton’s tenacity on defense disrupted McCollum’s rhythm, forcing him into tough shots.
3. **Andrew Wiggins**: Wiggins played a crucial role in defending the perimeter, making it difficult for the Pelicans to find open looks.
### Defensive Game Plan
The Warriors’ defensive game plan against the Pelicans focused on:
– **Limiting Transition Opportunities**: By securing defensive rebounds, the Warriors minimized fast-break chances for the Pelicans.
- **Rotating Quickly**: Quick defensive rotations ensured that shooters were contested, leading to lower shooting percentages.
– **Forcing Turnovers**: Utilizing aggressive defense, the Warriors capitalized on turnovers, often converting them into points.
## Benefits of a Strong Defensive Identity
### Winning More Games
A solid defensive strategy not only helps in winning games but also fosters a winning culture within the team. The Warriors experienced:
– **Increased Confidence**: As the defense improved, the players gained confidence, leading to better performances overall.
– **Momentum Building**: Winning through strong defense created positive momentum, pushing them through tough stretches in games.
### Enhanced Player Development
Defensive focus resulted in significant growth for younger players. They learned valuable lessons about positioning, effort, and communication, contributing to their overall development.
## Practical Tips for Developing a Strong Defense
### For Teams and Coaches
For coaches looking to enhance their team’s defense, consider the following tips:
1. **Emphasize Fundamentals**: Focus on basic defensive principles, such as stance, footwork, and positioning.
2. **Use Video Analysis**: Analyze game footage to identify strengths and weaknesses in defensive play.
3. **Encourage Communication**: Teach players the importance of talking on defense to ensure cohesive play.
### For Players
Players can also take steps to improve their defensive skills:
– **Study Opponents**: Understanding opponents’ tendencies can give players an edge.
– **Practice Regularly**: Consistent practice on defensive drills builds muscle memory.
– **Watch and Learn**: Observing elite defenders can provide insights into effective techniques and strategies.
## Case Study: The Warriors’ Game Against the Pelicans
In a recent matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors showcased their defensive resurgence with a commanding victory. Below is a quick breakdown of the game’s highlights.
### Game Highlights
– **Final Score**: Warriors 123, Pelicans 97
– **Key Performers**:
– **Stephen Curry**: 30 points, 8 assists
– **Draymond Green**: 10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
– **Andrew Wiggins**: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
### Defensive Stats
– **Field Goal Percentage Allowed**: 38%
– **Turnovers Forced**: 15
– **Fast Break Points Allowed**: 6
This game exemplified how pivotal their defensive strategies were in overcoming their early struggles.
## First-Hand Experience: Players’ Perspectives
Hearing directly from players can provide valuable insights into the Warriors’ journey. Here are some quotes from players discussing their defensive mindset:
– **Draymond Green**: “Defense is the backbone of our team. When we lock in on that end, everything else falls into place.”
– **Stephen Curry**: “We know we can score, but it’s our defense that helps us win games. It’s about making stops and getting out in transition.”
These insights underscore the Warriors’ commitment to their defensive resurgence, showcasing how it has become a central focus for their team’s identity.
## Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ journey from early struggles to dominating the Pelicans serves as a testament to the importance of a strong defensive identity in basketball. By prioritizing defensive strategies, enhancing team communication, and emphasizing accountability, they managed to turn their season around. Their experience illustrates how resilience and adaptability are key components in achieving success in the competitive world of professional basketball.
