In an effort to be less reliant on the pick and roll and create a more diverse attack with continuous movement, Golden State’s lethal split action is making its way into the Cavaliers’ playbook.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry initiates offense above the 3-point line by tossing the ball to Draymond Green in the low post, allowing the supersized playmaker to act as an offensive fulcrum. After that initial dump-in pass, Curry screens for former splash brother Klay Thompson. Curry and Thompson then split apart from each other, causing confusion on the perimeter for the opposing defense.
The action itself is simple. It’s interchangeable between positions and players. But for more than a decade, Golden State’s personnel has made it a devastating set, synonymous with an NBA dynasty and a staple of the franchise’s playbook.Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley in the Green role. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell or Ty Jerome operating as the point guard. Mitchell, Max Strus, Caris LeVert or even Sam Merrill doing their best Thompson impersonation.
That’s one of Atkinson’s greatest challenges. He isn’t walking into a rebuild like he did with Brooklyn — his first head-coaching gig — in 2016. This is an established team, with championship aspirations, a clear identity and an offensive system that doesn’t require a complete makeover. The plan is to slowly implement modern concepts and principles — even if that means early-season growing pains.
Mitchell can already envision the benefit of split — Cleveland’s newest addition, courtesy of Steve Kerr.
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