(Written for Fansided.com’s Blue Man Hoop)
In their final home game of the season, the Warriors overcame an impressive effort by the depleted San Antonio Spurs, to, in combination with a Rocket’s loss, retake the sixth seed with a 116-106 victory. Spurred by Gary Neal and poor Warrior defense, San Antonio scored their way to a 57-54 halftime lead over the Warriors. Golden State rallied in the second half, outscoring San Antonio by 17 points in the first 7 minutes of the 4th quarter to secure the teams 46th victory, a feat previously achieved 12 times in franchise history.
Key Stretch
Though Steph Curry entered, in the words of Bob Fitzgerald, “human torch mode,” toward the end of the 4th quarter, the Warriors opened their lead several possessions before. They were clinging to a three point lead, when at the 8:33 mark of the 4th quarter, Klay Thompson a midrange jumper off a Jarret Jack-David Lee pick and roll. The Warriors forced Nando De Colo into a missed jumper, then caught a break when DeJuan Blair missed a putback. The next possession, Festus Ezeli, a 51.9% free throw shooter, was fouled after rolling to the rim, and made both free throws. A Jarret Jack jumper followed another Warriors stop, and then the Steph Curry shooting exhibition began.
Why the Warriors Won
Spurs’ Offensive Inconsistency: Though they began the game hot, the Spurs reserve squad suffered through spurts of offensive inefficiency, the last of which they were unable to overcome. In terms of usage percentage, without Duncan, Parker, or Ginobli, the Spurs were missing their top 3 sources of offense. Though Gary Neal, 10-15 and 4-5 from 3 for 25 points, attempted to compensate, the Spurs simply could not keep pace with the Warriors.
Offensive Contribution from Role Players: While Steph Curry and Klay Thompson had dominant offensive outings, only one Warrior had a true-shooting percentage below 50%: Jarret Jack, who managed 12 assists. Efficient offensive contributions from Carl Landry, Festus Ezeli, and David Lee helped to fill the gaps between Thompson and Curry’s scoring.
Klay Thomson’s Offense: Tonight was one of Thompson’s more impressive offensive performances of the season. Though he has had higher scoring outputs, Klay revealed a variety of offensive moves in isolation, out of the post, and off his usual pin-down plays. Thompson was able to consistently take advantage of smaller defenders Gary Neal and Danny Green. The mid-post game, a development only recently displayed, adds complexity to Thompson’s seemingly limited offensive game, and not only affected tonight’s result, but could be a key to future success.
Steph Curry’s Shooting: Steph Curry’s incredible shooting, one of the few near-constants of the Warrior’s season, was on full display versus the Spurs. Curry’s shooting ability, combined with his quick release, force defenses to constantly adjust to his presence, and tonight was no exception. Curry’s position on the opposite wing prevented San Antonio from fully extending their help on David Lee rolls, Klay Thompson post-ups, and most strong-side action. Curry’s shooting did not only serve as a threat, but was on oft-used weapon in this game. Curry was 7/13 from 3 en route to a 35-point outing.
Notes
Steph Curry’s 7 made threes leave him within 1 of tying Reggie Miller’s single season record.
Though the Warriors put the game away late, two memorable highlights, a nifty-Steph Curry double-crossover and a Harrison Barnes dunk, occurred in the 1st quarter.
Though this was mentioned above, the Warriors use of Klay Thompson in the post, often derived from a 1-2 pick and roll, is a wrinkle to the offense worth watching for in the playoffs.