You know when the Golden State Warriors really care. It’s not that they usually screw around — though that has been known to happen, too — but you can always tell when the Warriors flip the switch to their highest level of play. In Game 4’s 118-92 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, it clearly happened.
The easiest way to tell is how much Golden State uses the Death Lineup. For the first time in the team’s history, the Warriors started those five players — Andre Iguodala joining the Warriors’ Big Four. It was a clear sign: “We’re not playing games anymore.” Boy, they weren’t joking.
In 17 minutes and 46 seconds on the floor together, the Death Lineup was plus-26. That means the Pelicans literally played Golden State even for the rest of the game, scoring the exact same number of points, but just couldn’t contend with the famous small ball look that the Warriors have used to destroy teams for years. As Kerr said afterwards, this is the lineup he falls back on when things get dicey.
That lineup first existed with Harrison Barnes, and we all know how much deadlier it has become with Kevin Durant taking his place two years ago. He finished with 38 points on 15-of-27 shooting on Sunday, using full advantage of his impossible length to shoot over defenders who were often contesting his shots perfectly. When the Warriors really care, you can also tell how by how aggressively they seek out shots from their best players.
For a little while, it looked like New Orleans might make this a game. They cut the lead to four points late in the second quarter, and entered halftime down just seven. It was the only quarter where the Death Lineup wasn’t effective — minus-two in just over three minutes.
When the third quarter started, Golden State quickly opened the lead back up, outscoring the Pelicans by 12 points until Kerr finally subbed in Kevon Looney with 4:25 left in the frame. The score was 83-64, and the game was essentially over.
The Warriors are sensational in any circumstance, but New Orleans legitimately challenged them in Game 3 and won, cutting their series deficit to just one game. Golden State’s response — a healthy dose of their five best players — just proved that they took the Pelicans seriously, and after that, New Orleans had no chance.
Welcome to the playoffs, Warriors.