The Golden State Warriors‘ legendary “death lineup” finished with the highest net rating of any lineup in NBA Finals history with more than 10 minutes of floor time, according to the team's Fast Break blog on Twitter.
A revamped lineup comprised of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green from one-through-five recorded an explosive 142.0 offensive rating and a 96.3 defensive rating over 33 minutes in the NBA Finals — 15 of which came in Monday's Game 5.
The secret beyond the success of this lineup has been the versatility of its players, willing to play both ends of the floor and having the uncanny ability to push the ball up the court, no matter who rebounds, steals, or gets a block during a defensive possession.
With now four proven, two-way players, thanks to the addition and newfound birth of Durant as a recognized defensive presence in the league — it makes this previously quick-striking lineup that much more deadly.
Durant and Curry both had very special series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, making up for the offensive struggles of Thompson and Green, who never faltered on defense; while Iguodala saved his best performance for last, finishing with a 20-point gem off the bench in 9-of-14 shooting in Game 5.
Head coach Steve Kerr's ability to break away from the norm and put his players in situations that make the most of their abilities has made this lineup into the deadliest one the NBA Finals stage has ever seen.
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