This might sound like a crazy statement — but the Golden State Warriors’ offense was infused with a healthy dose of juice against the Los Angeles Lakers because they targeted one of the best defenders in the world.
That sounds paradoxical on paper. The best defenders in the NBA don’t get targeted — offenses do quite the opposite, which is to make sure that they don’t get involved in actions as much as possible. You go away from opponents who make it their life’s mission to make scoring a living hell.
But the Warriors went away from convention on several possessions against the Lakers and attacked Anthony Davis with actions — both scripted and freelance — that took advantage of one key aspect of defense: coverages.