Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from first play-in game

Takeaway No. 3 for the Golden State Warriors: Defense Wins Championships

The first thing that the Golden State Warriors can take away from their round one game against the Los Angeles Lakers is that they have the potential to be one of the best playoff defenses.

In the first half, the Warriors had the Lakers’ star players clamped up. Their top three scorers on the season, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dennis Schröder were all held to single digits in the first half.

This is one of the most talented trios in the entire league. If the Warriors are able to put forth a defensive effort to that level for an entire game or series, it would be difficult to see anyone being able to beat them.

This is much easier said than done. It could be argued that it was less of the Warriors’ defense and more of the Lakers trio being rusty and unable to hit shots.

However, Draymond Green was back to playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level of defense against the Lakers.

While his style of play can often get him into foul trouble, it is a necessary evil for him to contribute to the team at his fullest capacity.

Along with Green, Andrew Wiggins really stepped up to the plate in the first half in guarding LeBron James.

He even notably blocked a fadeaway shot from James early in the first half.

James figured out how to work Wiggins and the Warriors as the game went on, however, if they are able to play defense at such an elite level for a full game, it will be difficult to defeat them.