The View from Section 118: Putting the D into Denver
Season Three: Tuesday, April 2, 2019: Warriors 116, Nuggets 102
The Warriors showed the upstart Nuggets what the next level looks like, and the young guys aren’t ready for it.
Tonight’s game was fulfilling for me. For the first time in many months, maybe even close to a year, the Warriors played like they cared. And because of that, they were willing to unleash their defensive fury with an intensity and intelligence that they proved is still within them for playoff time.
They tore up the Nuggets, who didn’t have an answer.
It seemed like the Dubs were playing a packline defense, which meant they were always in the lane, always with active hands deflecting one pass after the other, always anticipating Denver’s next pass one beat ahead. There was no room to operate, with all five defenders moving on a string. It was a thing of beauty, and it’s a level that they’ll need to reach repeatedly when the games begin to matter.
Take this DHO action that Denver loves to run off Jokic:
Bogut’s perfectly hedging, and KD is about to split the difference between the ballhandler and the picker, providing help and denial. Draymond is clogging the lane, but one step away from his man. And Klay and Andre are offering weakside help, even as Klay’s man fades to the far corner. There’s nowhere to go and no good option for Denver — and the Warriors did this to them repeatedly. Packline defense at its finest.
And take this smothering of Jokic:
The Warriors repeatedly fed Jokic baseline, which limited his vision and creativity, and they immediately filled the lane. Klay couldn’t because he had strong side responsibility, but he’s in the right place for denial. His other four teammates are collapsed and ready to pounce. I believe Jokic passed this directly to McKinnie at the top of the key. This was one of his six turnovers, which doubled his season average. You can’t have that from your All-NBA star and expect to win.
The Nuggets had 15 turnovers tonight. It felt like 48. The Warriors had 11 blocks. That felt about right. They contested 74 of the Nuggets 96 shots (up from an average of 66), and they had 17 deflections (up 3 from their average of 14). It was a defensive master’s class, and you give yourself a huge margin for error when you completely eradicate your opponent’s offense like that.
And offensively, the Nuggets had no answer for KD, but then again, who does? The thing is that they just can’t match up physically to even bother him. Will Barton is too small. So is Paul Millsap, who’s also too slow. Sure, they can try Torrey Craig, but then they’re playing 4-on-5. Malik Beasley? Good luck. Whatever Plumlee they put a jersey on? Go for it. Any way they look at it, they’re left watching this happen to their faces.
And remember how strategically sound the Warriors were defensively? Look how poorly the Nuggets defended this simple pick. Even if Jokic were out hedging correctly, Steph will have him on ice skates before you know it. Defending this against the Dubs will be a huge issue. This happened all game long, on repeat.
And now we can talk about Boogie, who came not only ready to play, but also ready to make a statement against Jokic. And he did. He was exceptional tonight. But I’m worried. He had no lift or explosion. And yes, he was on point around the hoop, but he might have trouble against bigs who can actually jump, like Capela or Gobert.
And Jokic’s lack of speed gave Boogie a hiding spot on defense, but he’s going to be isolated. I’m not sold on how much he can provide the team in the playoffs without hurting them defensively.
Also, can we just watch this and try not to spontaneously combust with joy:
Before I forget: He only played four minutes, but man, it was enjoyable seeing Andrew Bogut out there again. He still sets the same mean picks and makes the right passes. I’m not sure how much more he brings to the table nowadays, but that might be enough in the limited time he’ll get.
One last thing: The Warriors complaining to the refs is now a thing. KD didn’t deserve to get thrown out, but it’s also fair to say that the Dubs have lost all benefit of the doubt. The refs aren’t perfect. In fact, far from it. But there’s only so much whining they can take, and we’re now past the tipping point of rationality on both sides. It’s gonna be a problem in the playoffs. I can feel it.
