NBA: Interview with David West: “LeBron may not score and fit

Prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals (Thursday, 3am live on DAZN), David West spoke to SPOX & DAZN about the Warriors’ gameplan in Cleveland, what matters in the defense against LeBron James and why Stephen Curry is so important to the team.

He also explained that a sweep is not what his team primarily wants.

SPOX/DAZN: Mr. West, could it be that your important corner threesome in Game 2 inspired Stephen Curry to later heroics?

David West: I’m not so sure about that. But what I do know is that this was an important play in this situation. Then I’ll try to deliver accordingly.

SPOX/DAZN: Let’s stay with Curry, who hit nine incredible threesomes and set a record. How do you experience this as a Teammate?

West: He has completely changed the game. He made the threesome a weapon like no other player before him. Especially his crazy throws at the end of the shotclock and with the buzzer are often the dagger thrust for the opponent. This gives us a decisive moment and a lot of energy.

SPOX/DAZN: In game 2 your team was much more aggressive, there were many more offball screens and the ball movement was better. Are these the key factors here in Cleveland too?

West: Sure, the Cavaliers are a big and physical team, first of all LeBron. If, on the other hand, you play statically and allow them to hold on to you – then it becomes very difficult. So yes, Player Movement and Ball Movement are very important to us. They must use energy in defending us.

SPOX/DAZN: Do you still want to double against LeBron and force him to pass?

West: We can’t allow him to dominate the ball completely – so he scores and fits. We have to make his life as difficult as possible. But he’s a great player, one of the best of all time. And here in Cleveland, he and his team are even more dangerous.

SPOX/DAN: What do you expect from the cavaliers when they can play in front of their own fans?

West: You then play with a completely different intensity level. The crowd here is full of energy. You will also try to get other players than LeBron into the game early. We have to deal with that. There will be many ups and downs for us, so it is away in a hostile environment.

SPOX/DAZN: In Game 2, you used 1-5 pick and roll action to attack the basket, including JaVale McGee. Was that something you deliberately changed after the first game?

West: We are basically a very flexible and versatile team. JaVale is always ready and on the spot when you need him. He did a great job. We must always be ourselves, and that means that everyone contributes to getting us scores and being altruistic, for example through hard screens.

SPOX/DAZN: She and the other Bigs often try to get it through screens so that Curry can play Kevin Love. Is that still the plan?

West: We always try to give Steph matchups he can take advantage of, not just against Love. Then he always gets us points on the scoreboard.

SPOX/DAZN: With which mindset did you generally come to Cleveland? Do you want to sweep LeBron and the Cavaliers – or are you planning to steal a game and get everything ready in Oakland?

West: That’s not the point – we’ll make sure we deliver two decent games here. You don’t talk about winning or losing before, but about having a game plan and implementing it – with the right energy and the right focus.

SPOX/DAZN: How do you use the days off during the finals? I hear you read a lot.

West: Yes, but the most important thing is to put your feet up and make sure that you rest and recover properly. Only then can you get on the floor with the right energy.