Additional Thought
If this concept is used enough and the opponent adjusts, we could potentially integrate the classic Spurs' Ginobili backdoor play into it.

This would add another layer of unpredictability and make it even harder to defend.

Warriors didn’t just use this concept once. Earlier, Hield faked a pin-down in the corner before quickly looping to the top of the arc, drawing a 3pt shooting foul.

I hope they can mix this concept into their motion offense for more spontaneous use, not just in a designed set.

1️⃣It only requires 3 players, making it a concept, a variation of a split action, not just a 5-player set.

2️⃣It allows the player who needs the ball to still get it.

3️⃣After the loop, the relative positions of the 3 players remain the same, so the original play can continue.

A backdoor cut followed by looping out the other side is a classic counter to Top-Lock.

This clip shows play Doc Rivers designed for Ray Allen to counter Top-Lock, and Redick often ran similar actions with the 76ers.

But, Warriors’ version is simpler and could be applied more!

The backdoor cut is simple but doesn’t always collapse the defense. Yet, it can create chances for the screener, like Wiggins’ pass to Looney here.

Curry then loops out, with Wig setting another screen. Tough to defend because:
1️⃣ Defenders often relax.
2️⃣ Hard to re-top-lock.

If we change Moody to GP2, the trade becomes financially feasible, but it’s still tough. Losing Looney and Payton would be a huge blow to the team.

Also, signing 3 completely inexperienced players is extremely rare. So unless the Warriors clear more salary or adjust the trade, Sam’s proposal just isn’t feasible.

The Warriors could reduce costs further by signing players with no NBA experience, like Post or Beekman, whose pro-rated minimum salaries are just 439K. Even so, the 4-for-1 trade would still require an additional 1.32M in cap space.

2️⃣ A 4-for-1 trade means the Warriors need to add at least 3 players, and each player’s salary counts against the cap. By the 2/7 trade deadline, a standard pro-rated minimum salary would be about 792K—already exceeding the Warriors' available cap room.

1️⃣ The Warriors are restricted by the 1st Apron, with only 533K left before hitting the hard cap. While Sam’s proposal would lower their total salary, leaving 670K of room under the hard cap, the issue is this: it’s a 4-for-1 trade, leaving the roster short.

🏀Final Possession

After grabbing the offensive rebound in the chaos, Green quickly spotted Curry, but the Clippers’ trap came fast, and Curry instantly passed the ball out.

Unfortunately, GP2 “stole” the pass intended for Waters, but GP2 was fearless and decisively took the shot—unfortunately, it didn’t go in.

🏀 Attacking Switch: Screen Below
Clippers used "Next" to defend Podz’s PNR, disrupting the Warriors' offense. Just when I thought Kuminga was about to iso, Moody came up to set a Below Screen. He only lightly touched before slip to the basket, where he connected with TJD for a nice tik-tac-toe play.

🏀Podz's Shooting Desire
Fast breaks with the bench unit are a key focus for Kerr this season, and this transition was well-executed.
TJD's rim run drew two defenders, leaving Podz wide open for a three. He needs to take those open shots.

🏀Moody's Finish
Warriors ran their "Thump out" play this time, but the Clippers defended it well. Podz made a nice extra pass, and Moody had a chance to attack the rim.
He finished with a nice move—this was considered one of his biggest weaknesses during the draft, but he’s made great improvements.

🏀Kris Dunn's defensive footwork

When Curry attacked Dunn's lead foot, instead of turning, Dunn used a direct retreat to recover.

I remember Jrue Holiday using a similar technique. Does anyone know of other players who use this type of footwork?

One of the Warriors’ favorite baseline plays
After the inbounds pass, Curry sets a screen for Wiggins. The Clippers clearly scouted this, immediately switching defenders.
However, Green notices Dunn is turned away from him and boldly passes it to Wiggins under the rim. That’s an excellent pass.

Warriors keep running Delay action with TJD initiating from the top. Clippers' defense has a slight miscommunication as 2 defenders chase Waters outside.

TJD notices this and passes to the rim, where Curry cuts in for an open layup—unfortunately, Curry didn’t catch it. This turnover goes on Curry.