One of the Warriors’ more overlooked regular-season developments was the emergence of David West as an elite passer. Long known for his toughness and leadership, the 36-year-old backup center has settled in as the ideal fulcrum for Steve Kerr’s movement-heavy system.
Now, against a defense-oriented Jazz team in the Western Conference semifinals, West’s facilitating ability is on full display. By drawing defenses toward him at the top of the key, he frees up shooters driving toward the rim on back-screens and cuts. Just as important: West also lures Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert out of the interior.