Nearly a decade ago, the Golden State Warriors forever altered the landscape of the NBA with an innovative defensive maneuver that has since become a touchstone in the sport's strategic evolution. Their audacious decision during the 2015 postseason not only catalyzed their own rise to basketball supremacy but also sent ripples through the league, informing contemporary tactics.
A Strategic Masterstroke
It was the 2015 postseason when the Warriors, in their quest for greatness, faced the Memphis Grizzlies in a tense second-round series. Down 2-1 in the series, the Warriors needed a shakeup. Enter Andrew Bogut, then a formidable presence in the frontcourt, assigned the task of guarding the Grizzlies' Tony Allen. This choice was not immediately intuitive, given that Allen was known more for his defensive prowess than his shooting abilities, evidenced by his career three-point average of just 28.2%. However, the decision to have Bogut guard Allen was rooted in the Warriors' understanding of how to leverage their strengths effectively.
By daring Allen to shoot from the outside, the Warriors effectively compromised the Grizzlies' offensive flow. The ripple effect was immediate; Allen's minutes dropped significantly, from nearly 35 to roughly 21 in the series' last three games. The adjustment turned the tide, and the Warriors clinched the series. This clever utilization of defensive assignments would later become part of their playbook in establishing a basketball dynasty.
The Legacy of Innovation
The Warriors' strategic adjustments in 2015 echo to this day, influencing defensive strategies across the NBA. Teams now frequently adopt similar tactics, exploiting opponents' weaknesses in novel ways. A recent game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks spotlighted the evolution of these strategies – though under vastly different circumstances.
Jrue Holiday of the Bucks pushed the boundaries during this high-stakes encounter by attempting an unprecedented 17 three-pointers. Guarded by Jaren Jackson Jr., Holiday was audacious in his approach, although he converted just 4 of those attempts. This game, where Holiday surpassed his previous record of 13 attempts per game, highlights the current era's emphasis on perimeter shooting as an offensive weapon.
Changing Offensive Strategies
Meanwhile, this season's Boston Celtics are illustrating just how far the NBA has leaned into this shift. They are on track to attempt more three-pointers than two-pointers, a reflection of how offenses across the league increasingly favor long-range shooting. Last season, the Celtics boasted the most efficient offense in NBA history and are maintaining a scoring rate of slightly above 1.2 points per possession this year. Despite this offensive efficiency, they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in a recent game in Boston, underscoring the unpredictable nature of basketball when teams strategize effectively.
A Continuing Influence
The influence of the Warriors' 2015 strategy continues to reverberate throughout the league. Players like Jrue Holiday consistently adapt to the three-point-centric style; since joining Milwaukee before the 2020-21 season, Holiday has shot over 40% from beyond the arc. Although his percentage on wide-open three-pointers has dipped to 35.8% this season from 42.4% the previous year, his ability and willingness to adapt to the evolving game exemplifies the modern NBA shooter.
The Golden State Warriors' forethought has left a lasting imprint on the game, challenging rival teams to rethink and innovate constantly. As basketball continues to evolve, the strategic shifts that began in 2015 remain a pivotal reference point, an enduring legacy of a team that combined intellect with athletic prowess to reshape modern basketball.