Psycho Steph overshadowed an excellent defensive game for Dray last night.
At the start of Q3, Dray came out and set the tone that really helped the Dubs get back into the game.
Let’s look at some plays…
### **[1- Draymond single-handedly forces a shot-clock violation](https://gfycat.com/shamelessportlyafricanharrierhawk)**
First, he steps in to jam the Sabonis screen on Fox. Then steps up on the screen to defend against human flamethrower Huerter to dissuade the shot/drive.
Traps Huerter before peel switching back to Sabonis. Covers Barnes on the drive before switching back to Sabonis.
Finally, slaps the ball out of Sabonis’ hands when he fumbles the pass from Barnes.
The end result is a horrible Sabonis airball and a shot-clock violation.
###[2 – Dray stares menacingly to force a turnover](https://gfycat.com/needymediumchameleon)
Dunno how else to describe this.
###[3 – Dray does enough to muck up the plays, and then grabs the rebound](https://gfycat.com/closeseparatebilby)
Nothing otherwordly here, but I always find the Dancing Bear’s footwork super interesting – his legs are always moving. First he covers the potential Fox drive with drop defense, then moves back to Sabonis when he sees that Steph survived the flare screen for Huerter, and then finally elicits the pass out from Sabonis – before boxing out for the rebound.
###[4 – Dray forces the Barnes layup miss and then gets the rebound](https://gfycat.com/silentklutzyafricanaugurbuzzard)
Nothing extraordinary here, just good simple defense.
###[5 – Draymond kills multiple post opportunities for Sabonis, gets the rebound, and draws the foul on Sabonis](https://gfycat.com/indeliblebrownafricangoldencat)
Elite stuff from Dray.
Identifies and navigates the screen from Huerter (which is intended to lead to a Huerter three or a good post position for Sabonis). He shuts that down and fronts Sabonis in the post – thus denying the entry pass from Barnes.
The moment Barnes rotates the ball away, Dray switches to classic post defense and prevents Sabonis from sealing him.
Then, some drop defense on Barnes, switches back to Sabonis. Remains strong on Sabonis forcing him to pass out despite the deep position he has.
Finally wins the rebound drawing a foul on Sabonis.
###[6 – Excellent foul by Draymond](https://gfycat.com/windyannualgoosefish)
Draymond loses balance and hence concedes a super deep post position to Sabonis. He fouls on great timing to reset the ball. On the side-out pass, Sabonis concedes the turnover.
###[7 – Offensive play by Dray](https://gfycat.com/pettypettyguanaco)
First sets a weak screen for Klay to go get the ball. Once Klay hands-off to Steph, Dray sets a pick on Steph, releasing him for the drive. Then instantly sets a screen for Klay as well, before rolling hard. He gets the ball at speed and draws the foul.
by the_eureka_effect
11 Comments
He really layed the smack down. A great blow. Masterful striking the paint
Insert another punch joke here ~
Lol I swear Draymond leads the league in forcing turnovers via menacing stare
Steph, Draymond, and Wiggins all playing at a high level. It’s criminal what the they’re being forced to deal with. They have to win every game multiple times because of that anchor of a bench dragging them down. We’d have one or two losses max if we had a competent, league average bench.
fuck Draymond, fuck violent psychopaths
Kings would have won that game if it werent for the paid refs
I love how actual basketball content gets like 72% upvoted while every Ben Simmons circlejerk post gets like 98%
Good stuff bro.
Dray isn’t nearly the player he was in his prime, but this post shows how he’s using his vet savviness to still create a lot of value on the court.
That said, some of these plays feel a little bit lower effort compared to how aggressive he’s been in the past, like those screens he set on play #7.
I chalk some of that up to age & wear, but it also feels like he’s not 100% locked in yet. Probably hard to be given the state of the team right now.
Regardless this is great content, thanks for breaking it down OP
Top quality post!!!!
Nice breakdown, thanks.
Nice Post bro!