Nearly ten years ago, the Golden State Warriors shook the very foundation of NBA defense with strategic ingenuity, altering the way basketball is played at the highest level. This shift was most notably seen during the 2015 playoffs when the Warriors' unorthodox defensive strategies significantly contributed to their rise as a basketball dynasty.
Revolutionary Defense in 2015
During the 2015 postseason, the Golden State Warriors introduced a groundbreaking defensive strategy. In an inventive move, Andrew Bogut, primarily a center known for his defensive prowess near the basket, was tasked with guarding Memphis Grizzlies' Tony Allen. Allen, though a robust defender himself, was never regarded as a threat from beyond the arc, lugging a career three-point shooting percentage of just 28.2%. The adjustment seemed odd at first, but it was a calculated risk aimed at neutralizing Memphis's offensive tactics.
The Grizzlies initially took advantage of the Warriors' defense, leading the series 2-1. However, the shift to assign Bogut to Allen allowed the Warriors to effectively clog the inside lanes, daring Allen to take shots from deep. This decision paid off handsomely. Tony Allen’s playing time was slashed from nearly 35 minutes to about 21 minutes over the final three games of the series, as the Warriors clawed back and eventually won the series.
The Legacy Continues
The strategic moves that the Warriors employed in 2015 have left a lasting influence on many teams across the league. The Memphis Grizzlies, for instance, found themselves again in a strategic dance with the Golden State Warriors this season, albeit with new players and different circumstances. Notably, the Grizzlies faced Jrue Holiday, who attempted a career-high 17 three-pointers in a game against them.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was given the defensive assignment on Holiday, resulting in a fascinating contest of tactics and shooting acumen. Holiday converted four of his 17 long-range efforts, showcasing his willingness to challenge defensive setups by hoisting an unprecedented number from beyond the arc.
Celtics in the Mix
On another front, the Boston Celtics stand as exemplars of the offensive evolution in the NBA, showcasing an efficiency last season that was historically unmatched. This year, they are on pace to attempt more three-pointers than two-pointers, aligning with the league-wide trend that values perimeter shooting. With a scoring rate slightly exceeding 1.2 points per possession this season, they represent the offensive counterpart to the defensive shifts initiated by Golden State.
Interestingly, despite their offensive prowess, the Celtics recently succumbed to the Grizzlies at the TD Garden. This result highlights the unpredictable nature of the league, where strategy and execution on a given night can overturn expectations.
Holiday's Conundrum
For Jrue Holiday, shooting over 40% on three-pointers since joining Milwaukee in the 2020-21 season, this recent outing against the Grizzlies was a test of range and resilience. Last season, he excelled with a 42.4% success rate on open three-point attempts, which sets a high standard. However, his performance this season has reduced to 35.8% on wide-open shots, an indicator of the fluctuating dynamics even seasoned shooters experience.
As these players and teams continue to battle throughout the season, the echoes of the Warriors’ strategic innovations resonate. Teams like the Celtics and their offensive artillery, and players like Jrue Holiday adjusting their shots, unveil a basketball landscape continually learning and adapting from past revolutions. As such, the storylines that unfold each game are not only exciting in their immediacy but also richly layered with the history and strategies that persistently shape the NBA.