Back to the future: Warriors vs. Pistons keys revisited

For the second time this year, the Golden State Warriors convincingly beat the Detroit Pistons. This time it was a bit of a beatdown, as the Dubs won 118-91.

Let’s see how they did with their pregame keys to the game.

Run

The key: Take advantage of how big Detroit is, and get out and run.

The outcome: The Warriors had 19 fast break points, which is a decent if not great number. Yet it sure felt like they had more. They were constantly pushing the ball after a missed shot or a turnover, and even when it didn’t result in a transition basket, it usually resulted in a favorable matchup and opportunity.

Draymond Green led the charge much of the time, grabbing the rock and heading downhill. Good things happened.

Grading the key: 7.5 out of 10.

Chef Curry early

The key: Steph Curry needs to look for his shot early and often.

The outcome: Curry didn’t have an other-worldly first quarter, but he did take 6 shots and score 7 points. Most importantly, the offense was running through him. He got good looks, he created great opportunities, and he made tremendous passes.

It was Steph Curry’s offense, which it needs to be, and that’s part of why they were up 12 after the first quarter.

Grading the key: 7 out of 10.

Make some threes

The key: At least 15 made three-pointers from the team.

The outcome: These objective ones sure are easy. I should do more of them.

The Warriors made 17 three-pointers which, last I checked, is at least 15. Curry had 6, while Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole both had 3. The team shot 47.2% on threes and I’m starting to think they should shoot more of them.

Grading the key: 8.5 out of 10.

Active D

The key: Fly around the court on defense.

The outcome: It helps when your opponent is ... well ... not good on offense, but the Warriors defense was ultra active. Most important was the defense out of the gate, when the Dubs held Detroit to just 17 first quarter points.

The Pistons had just 17 assists, and 16 turnovers. And there you have it.

Grading the key: 9 out of 10.

Nice win. More of those, please.