Warriors vs Spurs || First take gm1 ||

Even though it looks like GSW flipped the switch today, I think even Kerr had concerns coming into this game. The evidence for this is Kerr starting Iguodala right away in Game 1. I didn't expect him to make this move this early on. Remember, he didn't start Iguodala until we were down 1-2 in the 2015 Finals. Iguodala is a huge reason the switch was flipped bc of his elite defense and ball-handling. The defense and rotations were the best I've ever seen. And bc KD is TO prone, it's much better to have the ball in Iguodala's hands. I think everyone can see why we paid Iguodala all that money. He is unbelievably important bc of his versatility. Clearly, there are concerns about Cook's defense so we are gonna use him like an Ian Clark, microwave off the bench. Basically taking the role Young is supposed to have. Klay is coming off his best shooting season ever and he is basically automatic now even when he's contested. I can't get mad at the refs bc they actually made some calls most refs don't usually give us, such as the holding/manhandling of Klay off the ball. I leave you with this: which player, not just on the Spurs but on any team that has a realistic chance to make it to the WCF, can guard KD? The only guy I can think of is maybe Paul George. And OKC is not likely to get there. From what I saw today, KD was actually still holding back. He was focusing more on his defense and passing than his offense. When KD decides to go all out, it's gonna be scary for the rest of these teams.

Alchemy could we get a break down of one of Trailblazers/Pelicans games to see whats coming?

Stevie Ray

Spurs are the perfect 1st round matchup for us this year for two reasons. The first is obvious, no kawhi, which relieves a ton of offensive and defensive stress. On top of that, like you said, they will never fold. Popovich will make every conceivable adjustment before he calls it quits. Facing the Spurs will be great in conditioning the team's ability to close out a series. Their roster currently can't compete with ours, even without steph. So now we just need the execution.

thomas

I was at the game and i think everyone in the crowd was anxious about the first few minutes especially considering how they been the last few weeks.

JC76

Is this the Playoff AA?!? Keep going!

This was a perfect storm.. but the important this is, the juice is back! And ain’t talking OJ

Athletic Alchemy

A lot of us were worried the Warriors couldn't swip the flitch. They just swipped the flitch. It's satisfying to see. Yeah yeah yeah Spurs w/o Kawai blah blah. Warriors are in lock down mode.

Major Powers

I’ll definitely be covering some extra stuff when I can.

Athletic Alchemy

That’s what’s up Daniel! I love that klay popped a few guys with the elbow to back m off.

Athletic Alchemy

Great breakdown as always. Just a thought, and of course if you the time, maybe a couple Xtra vids breaking down the other series going on. Especially with possible playoff matchups for dubs. Like 1 on East and 1 on west per week, or after halfway point of 2st round. Keep it up AA. Good shit

Good point Steve, but I credit Kerr for not panicking.. lot a coaches probably would have over tweaked.

Athletic Alchemy

Hey Alchemy just wanted to give you a big thanks for your breakdowns - I've been following you since I discovered your youtube towards the end of last season - and at the game today I felt like I had a bachelor's in basketball as compared to the fans around me. The dubs ought to be paying you for enhancing our experience! One thing I noticed was that they harassed the isht out of Klay for at least the first quarter - and he started slow with no open looks. But once their fatigue set in that was it! Also I've learned from you to predict when Draymond's shot is going in the bucket just by watching his form. And your primer for the game was so on point! I wish I'd seen DJ on Aldridge tho. Maybe on Monday. In any case thanks for the knowledge and the passion you bring.

Daniel Fries

Agreed Alch, we flipped the switch but fans shouldn’t conclude that we flipped the switch completely. I expect a sweep but we knew going in, the Spurs is who we wanted to match up against because they just less talented and don’t have the firepower other than L.A. If we sweep, will Curry be back in time for Game 1, Round 2? Game 4 of this series is on Sunday. Again, I expect a sweep.

Warriors started the game with 4 plus defenders on the floor plus JaVale who is a good match up for L.A. and they hard switched, swarmed, and closed out and the Spurs were overmatched. But hey it's one game but the formula is clear it's sticking to lineups that favor only playing the plus defenders at the beginning of the game, trusting in Klay & KD to win their match ups over and over and strategically using the deeper bench once you have control of the game. I like Cook playing when Parker plays.

Steven Stanley

Loved the Iggy move stayed up till 2 am for game time start here in Asia and when I saw that I was like, yeaa this will be interesting McGee looking like 9 million dollar contract awaits him I think the switch came not from the coaching, I think this was the first time in a long time the Warriors had something to prove. It was reported by several coaches that "the fear factor facing the warriors without Curry is non-existant." and I would've agreed, but looks like Steph will be chilling until he's 100

Stevie Ray

JaVale did great guarding Aldridge. Should be prepared for any adjustments for Game 2 as I’m sure they’ll do more switching to get JaVale out in the perimeter. Also we should be prepared to see Rudy Gay starting on Monday night. Only way they can have a chance.

Great video no complaints about that game, they just need to keep their foots on their necks.