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NBA play-in must-follow storylines: Warriors vs Lakers

By Josh Cornelissen

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images /
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NBA, Warriors, Lakers
NBA, Warriors, Lakers Photo by Harry How/Getty Images /

NBA Play-in Key Matchup: Draymond Green vs Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is one of the most versatile big men in NBA history, and certainly in the league today. His ability to impact the game from all levels on both ends of the court is unique and elevates the Lakers in a way no other player could. Defensively he protects the rim and can switch onto the perimeter. Offensively he can shoot from outside or score inside at an elite level.

The Warriors have their answer in Draymond Green, who is one of the best defenders in the league and the Warriors’ best option to guard Anthony Davis. Green excels as a post defender, with his strength and low center of gravity combining to form an immovable object inside. His anticipation and long arms allow him to corral perimeter players and direct them where he wants. Few players can close off passing lanes as well as Green.

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    • Yet one of the most unique and gifted defenders in league history has a weak spot, and it’s big men with shooting range. Dirk Nowitzki, for example, was a matchup problem for Green early in his career (and, you know, for everyone). Anthony Davis has historically given Green problems as well. Green can stick with Davis inside, but if Davis rises up to shoot he could find enough space to get off a clean look.

    On the other end of the court, the Lakers will have to decide how to deploy Davis. The Warriors love to run dribble-handoffs with Stephen Curry and Green; will the Lakers ask Davis to switch onto Curry or hedge and get back to Green? After going much of the season passively avoiding the rim, Green has been much more intentional about attacking the basket if teams double Curry. How does Davis manage the assignment?

    Davis is clearly the better player, but the Warriors don’t need Green to outscore Davis. They need him to slow the Laker big down enough that Curry shoots them past on the scoreboard.