What we learned as Warriors’ red-hot shooting propels preseason win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – On Sunday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr decided to rest Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and not simply due to the matchup with the struggling Detroit Pistons.
His reasoning was twofold: First, to allow the seasoned veterans their typical one-game break during the preseason. Second, to assess how the Warriors would perform without them.
“I want to see all of our young guys,” said Kerr two hours prior to the game. “I want to witness their progression and how well they play together, working as a cohesive unit.”
Kerr’s wish was fulfilled, as the Warriors established a double-digit lead late in the first quarter and cruised to a 111-93 victory at Chase Center.
Six Warriors scored in double digits, with Moses Moody leading the pack at 14 points. Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded 12 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
Here are three key takeaways from the game that pushed Golden State’s preseason record to 4-0:
The Budding Relationship With The Triple
After their offseason search for star players yielded no results, the Warriors focused on a crucial element of today’s NBA: acquiring players with deep shooting ability.
This was already apparent in the first three preseason games, but it was on full display against the Pistons. The Warriors made 10 of their first 11 attempts from long range, finishing with an impressive 18-of-39, good for a 46.2 percent 3-point shooting rate. This was sufficient to counter their modest 45.8 percent shooting from inside the arc.
Nine different players managed to hit at least one three-pointer, with Buddy Hield sinking a game-high four, while both Jonathan Kuminga and Lindy Waters III contributed three. Rookie center Quinten Post, on a two-way contract, also made his first three-pointer of the preseason.
The Warriors averaged 44.7 attempts from beyond the arc before this game, ranking behind only Boston and Minnesota, while their 38.8 shooting percentage placed them third. They are now up to 40.5 percent from deep.
Get ready for more of this, fans. The Warriors have always had a fascination with 3-point shooting, and with their revamped roster, they’re embracing it even more.
More Lineup Roulette
<pIn their fourth preseason contest, coach Steve Kerr implemented his fourth different starting lineup, this time without Curry or Green.
The starting group comprised De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Kuminga, Moody, and Jackson-Davis. Each of these players had started at least one of the three preceding games.
How did it perform? There were inconsistent moments, particularly on offense, but their strong 3-point shooting and rebounding mitigated those issues.
The positives: Although Melton struggled with his shooting, he contributed significantly in other areas, notably with clever passing that led to five assists in his first 15 minutes. Jackson-Davis showcased his defensive prowess with three blocks, including two on a single possession.
The negatives: Podziemski had four turnovers in the first half, mainly due to trying to force passes. Melton struggled early as well, going 2-of-9 from the field in the first half and finishing 2-of-11, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Conclusion: This starting lineup will likely only be seen again if driven by injuries or rest days.
Buddy Bang
The Warriors targeted Hield, believing he could help provide spacing and fill much of the shooting gap left by Klay Thompson’s departure.
So far, the eight-year veteran has risen to the occasion.
Hield put up 12 points with a shooting percentage of 4-of-8 from the floor, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. After four games, his average stands at 12.2 points per game on 18-of-30 shooting, with an impressive 13-of-22 from beyond the arc.
Hield played 13 minutes against the Pistons, totaling 66 minutes across four preseason games, during which he’s accumulated 53 points while shooting 60.0 percent overall and 59.1 percent from three.
Last season, when coach Steve Kerr experimented with Thompson as Golden State’s Sixth Man, the goal was to provide bench scoring and manage Klay’s minutes. With Thompson sidelined, Hield seems poised to assume that role.
Warriors Shine Without Stars: Key Takeaways from Preseason Victory Over Pistons
Overview of the Game
The Golden State Warriors delivered an impressive performance in their recent preseason matchup against the Detroit Pistons, showcasing depth and teamwork despite the absence of their star players. This victory serves as a reminder of the Warriors’ strong overall roster and their ability to adapt and thrive in different circumstances.
Game Highlights
- Dominant Defense: The Warriors’ defense was suffocating, limiting the Pistons to just 87 points.
- Rookie Performances: Young talents stepped up, making significant contributions on both ends of the court.
- Team Chemistry: The cohesiveness of the squad was evident, with seamless ball movement leading to open shots.
- Bench Depth: The Warriors’ bench outscored the Pistons’ reserves, emphasizing the depth of the roster.
Key Players to Watch
Even in the absence of star players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, several individuals shone during the game. Here’s a breakdown of the standout performances:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Poole | 25 | 6 | 4 |
| Jonathan Kuminga | 18 | 5 | 3 |
| Moses Moody | 15 | 4 | 2 |
Defensive Strategies
The Warriors’ defensive strategy was key to their victory. Here are some notable defensive tactics that contributed to their success:
- Switching Defense: The versatility of players allowed for effective switching, disrupting the Pistons’ offensive flow.
- Pressure on the Ball: Constant pressure on ball handlers forced turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities.
- Help Defense: The team excelled in providing help defense, closing out shooters and contesting shots effectively.
Offensive Execution
On the offensive side, the Warriors displayed remarkable execution. Key elements included:
- Ball Movement: The Warriors recorded a high number of assists, showcasing unselfish play.
- Three-Point Shooting: Despite the absence of star shooters, the team found success beyond the arc.
- Fast Breaks: Utilizing speed, the Warriors capitalized on transition opportunities.
Benefits of Relying on Team Depth
The ability of the Golden State Warriors to thrive without their superstars highlights several benefits of maintaining a deep roster:
- Injury Resilience: A deep bench allows teams to manage injuries without sacrificing performance.
- Player Development: Young players gain experience and confidence, preparing them for critical roles in the future.
- Strategic Flexibility: Coaches can experiment with different lineups and strategies, enhancing overall team dynamics.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
Here are some practical tips for fans and analysts to glean insights from the Warriors’ preseason performance:
- Follow Player Progression: Keep an eye on how young players develop throughout the preseason and regular season.
- Analyze Team Chemistry: Pay attention to how players interact on the court, as chemistry can significantly impact performance.
- Evaluate Defensive Adjustments: Notice how the coaching staff adjusts defensive schemes based on opponent strengths and weaknesses.
Case Studies: Preseason Victories
Historically, several NBA teams have used preseason games to identify strengths and weaknesses. Examining these examples can provide valuable lessons:
- The 2014-15 Warriors: They built team chemistry during preseason, leading to a championship season.
- The 2020 Miami Heat: Their strong preseason performances carried into a successful playoff run.
- The 2017 San Antonio Spurs: They utilized preseason to integrate new players effectively.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans who attended the game noted the palpable excitement and energy in the arena. Here are some of the reactions:
- Excitement for Young Talent: Many fans expressed enthusiasm for the potential of rookies like Kuminga and Moody.
- Defensive Prowess: Spectators appreciated the defensive effort and intensity displayed by the team.
- Hope for the Season: The win without stars boosted optimism for the upcoming regular season.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ victory over the Detroit Pistons in preseason exemplifies the strength of their roster and the potential for a successful season ahead. With key players stepping up and showcasing their skills, the Warriors have proven that they can shine even without their stars. This game sets the tone for the upcoming season, highlighting the importance of teamwork, depth, and adaptability in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
