Nearly a decade ago, the Golden State Warriors ushered in a new era of defensive strategy in the NBA, a revolution that would define their path to becoming a basketball dynasty. As the 2015 postseason unfolded, the Warriors ingeniously exploited unique defensive matchups, cementing strategies that continue to resonate throughout the league.
One of the most intriguing narratives from this transformative period came during a pivotal series against the Memphis Grizzlies. At the heart of this strategic evolution was Andrew Bogut's unconventional assignment to guard Tony Allen. Allen, known for his defensive prowess more than his shooting ability, boasted a career three-point shooting average of just 28.2%. The decision to have a towering center like Bogut take on Allen may have seemed unusual, but it was part of a calculated move by the Warriors’ coaching staff.
The series initially saw the Warriors trailing 2-1 against the Grizzlies, prompting a need for a tactical shift. By having Bogut guard Allen, a player not known for his outside shooting, the Warriors effectively neutralized one of Memphis's key defensive threats. This change forced the Grizzlies to rethink their offensive strategy and ultimately led to a significant reduction in Allen’s playing time, which dwindled from nearly 35 minutes to about 21 minutes over the final three games. The impact was immediate and profound, as the Warriors proceeded to win the series and continued their march towards a championship.
Fast forward to more recent events, and the Memphis Grizzlies found themselves again at the center of another notable moment, albeit this time on the offensive side of the court. In a game that highlighted strategic offensive reckless abandon, Milwaukee's Jrue Holiday attempted a career-high 17 three-pointers against the Grizzlies. Previously, Holiday had not exceeded 13 attempts in a single game. Despite being guarded by the defensive prowess of Jaren Jackson Jr., Holiday managed to nail only four of these distant shots.
This aggressive approach underscores the evolving trends in today’s NBA, where long-range shooting has become increasingly prioritized. Teams like the Boston Celtics, who had the most efficient offense in NBA history last year, are exemplars of this shift. This season, the Celtics are on a path to attempt more three-pointers than two-pointers, a strategic pivot emblematic of the league's current landscape.
Despite their offensive efficiency, the Celtics recently fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in Boston. As events unfold, these encounters serve as a testament to the tactical complexity and ever-shifting dynamics of modern basketball.
Jrue Holiday, since joining Milwaukee in the 2020-21 season, has consistently shot over 40% from beyond the arc. Last season, he converted 42.4% of his open three-point attempts. However, he finds himself shooting 35.8% on wide-open shots this season, illustrating the variations that can arise within the span of a career and even a season.
The Warriors' strategic adjustments in 2015 set a precedent that continues to shape the NBA's tactical landscape. Such innovations force teams to adapt continually, evolving both defensively and offensively to meet the challenges of contemporary play. As the narrative of the league unfolds, these stories remind fans and players alike that basketball is as much about strategic depth as it is about raw talent and athleticism.