D’Angelo Russell spent half a season with the Golden State Warriors during the 2019-20 season before being sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the Andrew Wiggins trade. Since leaving Golden State, Russell has produced some impressive performances when facing his old team.
During a recent appearance on the “Pat Bev Podcast,” Russell was asked why he always seems to cook the Warriors when he faces them. The Los Angeles Lakers guard noted how it’s because he knows the team’s system and can predict their coverages and offensive sets, which gives him and his team an edge.
“I knew their system, honestly. When I got to play there, I was literally like, ‘I don’t know if imma be here, but I’m about to see everything they got going on as far as the way they play. What they go to in the last two minutes of the game. What plays they use to close the quarter out. How Steve is trying to manipulate the game. Like, I picked up all of that. … The little ins and outs of the game, that you don’t get to see, I was ready for.”
Pat Bev :
“Every time me and you played the Warriors, You always cooked them”
DLO:
“ALWAYS”
(Via @PatBevPod) pic.twitter.com/RXHM268ita
— HOME OF BASKETBALL ON X (@BasketballOnX) August 2, 2023
During the Warriors’ second-round playoff series against the Lakers last season, Russell averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds, shooting 31% from 3-point range and 45.6% from the field. Despite Russell’s struggles from the perimeter, his overall performances in that series did impress.
Nevertheless, Russell has likely put a target on his back for the next time he plays against Golden State, as the Warriors’ core will look to shut him down on offense while exploiting his defensive shortcomings. After all, there aren’t many teams as competitive as Golden State.
