The Golden State Warriors have shut down Los Angeles Clippers small forward Danilo Gallinari in their first-round series due in part to Steve Kerr throwing different bodies at Gallinari.
The Warriors have put Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green on Gallinari at different stages of each game, making it tough for the Clippers swingman to get in any type of flow offensively.
Kerr says because Gallinari is so important to what the Clippers do on offense, he knew the Warriors would have to be physical with him every night:
“We’re trying to take away guys coming off screens, and we know what a huge factor and key Gallinari is for them,” Kerr said, via Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “We’re doing our best to try to pressure him, stay in front of him and challenge every shot because when he has big games, the Clippers generally win. He’s a real key for them.”
Gallinari is averaging 16.0 points in the series, but he's shooting just 29.7 percent from the field and 28.0 percent from beyond the arc. The Warriors, who are up 3-1 in the series, have made it a point all series to force any player on the Clippers not named Gallinari and Lou Williams to beat them, and it's working.
The Warriors will look to close out the series at home in Game 5.
Follow Us
Subscribe