Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Big questions for Game 2
What adjustments will the coaches make?
As long as this series lasts, it’s going to be interesting to see the adjustments made by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. With the low amount of free throws attempts coupled with their inability to score inside the paint, we can expect the Warriors to play at a faster tempo in Game 2.
We can expect the Warriors to push the pace and try to get some easy baskets in transition instead of allowing the Lakers to set up their halfcourt defense. Once the Lakers establish Davis in the middle, the Warriors will be forced to make their jump shots.
Even though they connected on 41 percent of their field goals and made 40 percent of their 3-point attempts, there is no guarantee that they will be able to sustain those percentages. The Warriors will also have to be more physical, especially Kevon Looney and Draymond Green.
As the primary defenders guarding Davis, they have to try and increase the level of physicality and attempt to tire Davis out. Even though Davis has been a monster in the middle, expect Kerr to adjust by trying to get Davis in foul trouble. He only accumulated two personal fouls but if the Warriors can get Davis in foul trouble, it could open up the floor a whole lot more.
Kerr should also consider giving Jonathan Kuminga an opportunity. Kuminga is a gifted, athletic wing, and doesn’t mind going in the paint to try and score. He could get some fouls on Davis if the whistles blow in his favor but it’s at least worth a try at this point. Even though the Warriors were dead last in free throw attempts during the regular season they only attempted six free throws in Game 1 which is absurdly low for any team trying to win a playoff game.
More opportunities at the foul line could give the Warriors an edge but they also have to make those free throws if they are able to get to the charity stripe. As for Ham, he has to continue forcing the Warriors to play at their tempo. They must continue to make them work extra hard while they are on defense maximizing every possession and using the shot clock to their advantage.
Ham made a smart move when he allowed Jarred Vanderbilt to tail Curry down the stretch as he made it difficult for him with his length and size as he did a great job defending him down the stretch. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ham continues to implement his clever strategy.