The Warriors want to win the championship, unless the league also allows elevator door tactics, it will be difficult

On May 16, Stephen Curry is 37 years old in 2025, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, still playing a core role in the Warriors. However, as he grows older, Curry's physical fitness and explosive power inevitably decline, and the Warriors' overall competitiveness also weakens. Although Curry still maintains excellent shooting ability, if he wants to win the championship again in the fiercely competitive NBA, the Warriors need to find a tactical system that can maximize Curry's value. The "elevator door tactic" that once made the Warriors powerful may be the key to their return to the top.

"Elevator Door Tactics" is a kind of off-ball screening tactic that the Warriors frequently used between 2015 and 2019. Its core lies in creating momentary shooting space for Curry. The specific execution method is that two big players (usually Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut or Kevin Looney) stand side by side outside the three-point line to form a "goal" where Curry passes through them, and then the two big men quickly close to block the opponent who is chasing and creating a short shot opportunity for Curry. Because Curry's shots are extremely fast, this tactic often allows him to complete a three-pointer before the defender arrives, which is extremely efficient. In the historic season of the Warriors' 73 wins and 9 losses in 2016, the "elevator door tactics" were an important part of their offensive system, and they were even called "Curry's killer weapon" by the outside world.

However, the NBA has restricted this tactic in subsequent rule adjustments. The referee began to call for mobile cover more strictly, especially for the "elevator door", which requires two players to close quickly, and believed that it is easy to form illegal cover. The intention of the league is to balance off offense and prevent the offensive side from gaining unfair advantages through overly complex off-ball screens. This change in rules forced the Warriors to reduce the frequency of using the "elevator door tactics" and instead rely on more dynamic offenses and Curry's personal abilities. Although the Warriors still successfully won the championship in 2022, their offensive system has undergone significant changes and Curry's burden has become heavier.

Now, the Warriors' lineup no longer has the dominance of the past. Klay Thompson has been in a state of ups and downs, Draymond Green’s offensive threat has dropped sharply, while young players such as Jonathan Cumingga and Moses Moody have not yet grown to a steady second-point scoring point. In this case, Curry is still the only absolute strength point of the team, but his opponent can double-team and consume him more unscrupulously. If the league allows the return of the "Elevator Gate Tactic", the Warriors will be able to reactivate Curry's no-ball threat, thereby greatly improving the team's offensive efficiency.

The return of the "Elevator Door Tactics" is self-evident to Curry. First, it reduces Curry's pressure to hold the ball. Although Curry can still score difficult points with his excellent dribbling and shooting ability, frequent ball-holding offense will consume his physical fitness and increase the risk of injury. Running without the ball combined with "elevator door" cover can allow Curry to get shots under easier conditions and extend his peak period. Secondly, this tactic can maximize Curry's space threat. Once the "elevator door" is formed, the defense must choose whether to switch defenses or squeeze through the cover, and no matter which option, Curry can find a way to crack it - either shoot directly or use the opponent's defensive chaos to break through or pass the ball. Finally, the "elevator door tactic" can also drive the Warriors' overall offense. When opponents pay too much attention to Curry's off-ball run, other players such as Thompson or Pojemsky will get more open opportunities.

Of course, even if the "elevator door tactics" are re-allowed, the Warriors need to solve other problems. For example, they need two big players who can execute screens at high quality, while Looney and Teres Jackson Davis have good screening abilities in the current roster, but their movement speed and decision-making skills may not be as good as Green and Bogut in their prime. In addition, the team's defense also needs to be improved, especially in terms of defense replacement and rebound protection. Otherwise, even if the offensive performance is efficient, it will be difficult to go further in the playoffs.

From the perspective of the alliance, it is also controversial whether to allow the "elevator door tactic". Supporters believe that this tactic is a manifestation of basketball wisdom and can enrich the tactical diversity of the game; while opponents believe that it undermines the fairness of the defense and makes the offensive rely too much on specific cover methods. However, considering that the NBA has been encouraging offense in recent years, if the "elevator door tactics" can improve the viewing of the game, the league may adopt a more relaxed penalty measure against it.

In general, if Stephen Curry and the Warriors want to hit the championship again at the end of his career, the return of the "Elevator Door Tactics" is undoubtedly a shot of inspiration. It not only relieves Curry's offensive pressure, but also reactivates the Warriors' system basketball. However, even without this tactic, Curry can still influence the game through his leadership and game wisdom. The task of the Warriors management is to equip him with more appropriate helpers while optimizing the defense and depth of the lineup. After all, in NBA history, great players and teams always find ways to overcome difficulties, and Curry and the Warriors have proven this many times.