NBA insider dissects Steve Kerr's 'genius' strategy behind Warriors' incredible 7-1 start in 2024-25 NBA season
The Golden State Warriors won their fifth straight game on Wednesday, beating the Boston Celtics 118-112. Following their win, ESPN's Brian Windhorst discussed the strategy coach Steve Kerr has used this season, which has helped the team to a 7-1 start.
Against the Celtics, Steph Curry and his team played with energy, especially on the defensive end. Golden State double-teamed All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, who struggled shooting the ball in the first half and went 2-for-7 from the field.
Derrick White and Jrue Holiday were also affected by the intense defense. The former was 3-for-9 shooting on the floor, while the latter finished the first two quarters shooting 1-for-4 from the field.
The team's defense didn't go unnoticed, as Windhorst praised the Warriors for their efforts.
"Steve Kerr is using an Olympic-style game plan," Windhorst said. "The way the Americans play in the Olympics, they lean into the depth, they will do mad substitutions, and the reason they do that is so that their players can pour out energy on the defensive end.
"Steve Kerr is using 12 or 13 guys a night. He's averaging seven different guys averaging 12-20 minutes. They pour out on the defensive end. They put on 27 double teams in this game. That requires a lot of activity level ... It's actually Steve Kerr taking his Olympic experience, applying it to this team, and it's working."
Golden State has maintained its position in the top three in the Western Conference. On Friday, they face the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, hoping to extend their win streak.
Warriors star talks about the team's strategy in defending Tatum
The Celtics weren't complete in their game against the Warriors, as Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis were out. Golden State capitalized on this, and after the game, Curry spoke highly of the team's efforts on the defensive end, highlighting their strategy against Boston's star player.
"We just try to keep bodies on bodies in the halfcourt," Stephen Curry said. "We know they have a very specific style. They want to get up as many 3s as possible, they want to pick on certain guys and get (Jayson Tatum) in spots where he can create. They let it fly, and it’s proven successful. You have to live with some shots because you can’t guard everything. But if you make them play in a crowd, take tough 2s."
Curry and his squad have played with vigor on defense, ranking second in defensive ratings.
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