Golden State Warriors: 5 keys to repeating in 2017-18
4. Save the Death Lineup for when it matters
During their first NBA Finals appearance in 2015, the Golden State Warriors unearthed something spectacular. The defensive versatility of Draymond Green and the size and speed of their wing players allowed them to remove a traditional center from their lineup and blow opponents off of the court.
Coined the “Death Lineup,” this unit consisted of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green. Andrew Bogut was not on the court, nor was another traditional big man. Green, once a small forward, played the 5. This allowed the Warriors to space the floor, speed the game up and win their first title.
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Their run to 73 wins was built on the “cheat code” of the Death Lineup, which they could unleash at seemingly any time to completely take over a game. When Barnes left in free agency and the team signed Kevin Durant, the versatility only increased. Although a bench player, Iguodala once again sparked the best of the Warriors when he replaced the center in the postseason. A 16-1 postseason record speaks to the dynamism of this team, and its incredible versatility.
The best way to ensure the lineup’s potency for the playoffs is to use it sparingly in the regular season. Green, at 6’7″, is undersized to be banging with centers every night, and Iguodala will turn 34 during the season. With a plethora of young big men on the roster, Steve Kerr should use the lineup just enough to keep everyone comfortable. Otherwise, he should save it for when it matters.