Steve Kerr, the coach of the Golden State Warriors, surprised everyone by sending out a starting lineup that featured a small lineup against the Los Angeles Lakers. This lineup, which averaged 6-foot-5, was a daring move to see if the Lakers could exploit their size advantage. However, the Lakers failed to do so, and the Warriors, led by newcomer Chris Paul, showed that size may not always matter in basketball.
Chris Paul, who was making his first appearance with the Warriors, received a warm welcome from the sellout crowd at Chase Center. He finished the game with six points, five assists, and three rebounds in just 13 minutes of play. Paul, a longtime rival of the Warriors, expressed his surprise at the positive reception he received from the fans.
While the Lakers chose to keep LeBron James and Austin Reeves on the bench, the Warriors did not hold back. Kerr’s small lineup consisted of players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, who are known for their skill and versatility rather than their size. This unconventional approach seemed to work, as the Warriors were able to dominate the game and secure a 125-108 victory over the Lakers.
The success of the small lineup can be attributed to the Warriors’ ability to play a fast-paced and dynamic style of basketball. With players who are quick and agile, they were able to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Warriors’ excellent ball movement and unselfishness allowed them to find open shooters and create easy baskets.
This game served as a reminder that basketball is not solely about size. While height and physicality can certainly be advantageous, skill, speed, and basketball IQ are equally important. The Warriors proved that they can compete against bigger opponents by utilizing their strengths and playing to their style of basketball.
It will be interesting to see if the small lineup becomes a regular strategy for the Warriors moving forward. With the addition of Chris Paul, they now have another playmaker who can facilitate the offense and make their small-ball approach even more effective. The versatility and depth of their roster give them the flexibility to experiment with different lineups and adapt to different matchups.
In conclusion, Steve Kerr’s decision to deploy a small lineup against the Lakers paid off in their preseason game. The Warriors, led by Chris Paul, showed that size may not always be the determining factor in basketball. The success of the small lineup can be attributed to the team’s fast-paced style of play, excellent ball movement, and overall skill. This game serves as a reminder that basketball is a multifaceted game where speed, skill, and basketball IQ can overcome physical disadvantages. As the Warriors continue to experiment with different lineups, it will be interesting to see how this small-ball approach translates to regular-season success.
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