
Nearly a decade ago, the Golden State Warriors introduced an innovative defensive strategy that reshaped the landscape of the NBA. This tactical revolution played a pivotal role in their ascent to becoming a basketball dynasty. Their strategic acumen was vividly demonstrated during the 2015 postseason when the Warriors faced the Memphis Grizzlies in a pivotal second-round series.
The Defensive Revolution
During this series, the Warriors implemented an unexpected defensive assignment that would become a hallmark of their strategic genius. Andrew Bogut, their skilled center, was tasked with guarding Tony Allen, a player known more for his defensive prowess than his shooting ability. This decision was not arbitrary. Allen, with a career three-point shooting average of just 28.2%, posed little threat from beyond the arc. By assigning Bogut to Allen, the Warriors effectively neutralized one of Memphis's key players without compromising defensive integrity elsewhere.
This tactic bore fruit. The Grizzlies, who had initially taken a 2-1 lead in their series against the Warriors, found themselves struggling following this adjustment. Allen's playing time, which had been nearly 35 minutes per game, dwindled to about 21 minutes over the final three games as the Warriors regained control and eventually won the series. This strategic maneuver not only secured their success in that series but also signaled a shift in defensive strategies across the league.
The Impact of Defensive Strategy and Three-Point Shooting
The Warriors’ innovative approach continues to influence the NBA today, with many teams emulating their emphasis on strategic defense and three-point shooting. This influence was evident in a recent matchup where Jrue Holiday, a player known for his long-range shooting efficiency, took center stage against the Memphis Grizzlies. Holiday attempted a remarkable 17 three-pointers in a single game, setting a new personal record that far surpassed his previous high of 13 attempts in a game. Despite being guarded by Jaren Jackson Jr., Holiday managed to connect on 4 of these long-range shots.
Since joining Milwaukee before the 2020-21 season, Holiday has consistently maintained a three-point shooting percentage over 40%. Last season, he made 42.4% of his open three-point shots, though this season he has seen a slight dip to 35.8% on wide-open attempts. His performance reflects the increasing importance of three-point proficiency in the modern NBA game, an evolution partly catalyzed by the Warriors' earlier strategies.
The Rise of the Boston Celtics
Another team leveraging the three-point shot as a fundamental component of their play is the Boston Celtics. Last year, they achieved the distinction of having the most efficient offense in NBA history, an accolade underscored by their strategic commitment to perimeter shooting. This season, the Celtics are on track to attempt more three-pointers than two-pointers, a testament to the evolving offensive strategies in the league. With a scoring rate of slightly above 1.2 points per possession, their offensive efficiency remains formidable.
Despite their incredible offensive capabilities, the Celtics faced a recent setback against the Memphis Grizzlies, who managed to secure a victory in Boston. This loss serves as a reminder that even the most efficient offenses can be challenged, particularly by teams capable of adjusting defensively.
The strategic shifts, exemplified by the Warriors and now seen in teams like the Celtics, highlight the dynamic nature of the NBA, where innovation is key to gaining a competitive edge. As teams continue to adapt and evolve, the long-standing influence of the Warriors' 2015 postseason strategy remains a touchstone for success in the league.