The Houston Rockets have made it a point to stay away from the defensive core of the Golden State Warriors in Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala — but even if they've been successful getting their switches on unheralded defenders, some have been much more effective than previously anticipated.
Among them is Nick Young, who has done a splendid job in limited minutes thanks to his length and wingspan, limiting the Rockets to 3-of-12 shooting from the floor (25 percent), including 1-of-8 from deep.
Swaggy P contested 11 of those 12 shots, but also forced three turnovers, getting tagged with only one foul in 16 plays where he was the primary defender.
Swaggy D? As @MicahAdams13 noted, Nick Young has actually been a really effective defender in this series. That trend will be tested with Andre Iguodala doubtful. pic.twitter.com/N1XGDt5okB
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 22, 2018
This trend will be likely used as advice or tested even further with Andre Iguodala likely to miss Game 4 after knocking knees in Game 3 of the series.
Kevon Looney, a big man more adept to shot-blocking than being out on the perimeter, has also done well in a sample size three times as large as Young's — limiting the Rockets to 40 percent shooting in 38 field goal attempts.
The Warriors roster has been built in the bases of duality — being able to put points on the board, but also keep points off the board at the defensive end.
Young shined in Game 3, contesting a James Harden 3-pointer into an airball after stripping the ball loose, and in the following play forcing a Chris Paul turnover — swinging the momentum toward the Warriors favor, which they used to open up a 21-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Young's value will be further tested today as a likely replacement for Iguodala in the starting lineup if Steve Kerr decides to keep a small lineup against these pace-and-space Rockets.
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