We are all eagerly anticipating the matchup on Tuesday between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. But to me, this is much more than a just a regular season matchup of two great teams – two teams that had the best records last season. It will be a battle between two very distinct styles of play, with one team featuring great offensive prowess from the midrange and one team that relies on its unparalleled efficiency from the perimeter – the long range.
The results of this game and future matchups between these two teams may give us a clue as to the future trend of offensive philosophies in the NBA. Currently, many teams are trying to mimic the Warriors’ offensive small-ball perimeter-oriented philosophy. And why wouldn’t they try to emulate a team that won 73 regular season games last season? But the reality is that many teams simply do not have the personnel to pull it off.
The Spurs certainly have the personnel to pull off their midrange offense. They know who they are and they know what they have. They have Kawhi Leonard (aka "The Claw") who is not only an amazing talent on the defensive end, but a phenomenal offensive talent from the midrange. LaMarcus Aldridge is also a great midrange shooter. And now they have Pau Gasol who is the quintessential midrange-shooting center. And while David Lee will not be a starter, he also represents a major threat inside the perimeter. In sum, this team is the epitome of a well-oiled midrange shooting juggernaut. Just thinking about this makes me nervous.
A great front line player
The Spurs' addition of Pau Gasol scares me. This from Rotoworld:
"Pau Gasol is expected to have a leading role with the Spurs.
As Sleepy said, 3>2
In contrast to the Spurs, the Warriors are renowned for their three-point shooting. And with the addition of Kevin Durant, the Warriors seem to have doubled down on their long range offensive philosophy. They are flashy and splashy; they make it rain and they reign.
Two different teams with two different offensive philosophies. Which philosophy will prevail?