The Golden State Warriors' victory over the Detroit Pistons was a significant win for the team, as they did not give the Pistons any chances and secured the win. The Warriors, who have been in a slump recently, needed this victory to break out of their low period. In this game, the Warriors were in control of the game's rhythm, leading by as many as 18 points at one point. Although they only won by 3 points, it was still considered a great success given their recent form. This victory also validated the strategies the team implemented during the game.
So, what were the secrets to the Warriors' win in this game? Five key decisions were made:
-
Lineup Changes: Coach Steve Kerr made a passive lineup change that turned out well. Hield was moved into the starting lineup, adding another three-point threat. Hield should be paired with Curry, and he contributed five crucial three-pointers in this game. Hield is a player who can only enhance the team's performance when placed in the right environment.
-
Increased Playing Time for Davis: Kerr realized the importance of increasing the team's frontcourt height. Looney received more playing time, and Davis was heavily utilized. Davis had an impressive game with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
-
Controlling the Rebounding: A critical aspect of the Warriors' game was their ability to grab rebounds. They had a total of 49 rebounds, including 15 offensive rebounds.
-
Extending the Rotation: Previously, Kerr rotated players simply for the sake of rotation. However, with injuries affecting the team, he extended the rotation in this game. This allowed the starters to rest while maintaining energy on the court.
-
Capitalizing on Opponent Mistakes: The Pistons' turnovers were effectively exploited by the Warriors, who scored 25 points off these mistakes. The Pistons paid a price for their errors.
In summary, although the Warriors chose the most popular way to win, they still managed to showcase their unique style. Curry may not have had his best shooting night, going 5-for-21 from the field, but the team's victory made up for it. It remains to be seen if the Warriors can use this game as a turning point to bounce back and add more wins to their record, especially considering the fierce competition in the Western Conference.