The Golden State Warriors cruised to a Game 1 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in large part due to their outstanding defense. The Pelicans’ number one option was Anthony Davis and the Warriors did a great job sending multiple bodies and disrupting his rhythm.
Coming into the series, it was thought that Draymond Green would be the Warriors’ best defensive option on Davis due to his prior success. Green’s low center of gravity and physical play has always bothered Davis. Green employed these same tactics but Davis adapted by facing up and beating him backdoor for lob dunks.