Watch: Warriors give Russell Westbrook absurd amount of space

Early in the game, Westbrook took a dribble handoff from Mason Plumlee, and the Warriors reacted by backing away. His ostensible defender was Draymond Green, who retreated well below the free throw line, while Westbrook dribbled outside the three-point arc. Eventually, Westbrook passed off three times in the possession, which ended with an Eric Gordon miss.

For the game, Westbrook shot 3-12 and 0-5 from three-point range, finishing with eight points, six assists and four turnovers. Arguably Paul George's 3-15 night was worse, but at least the Warriors were contesting his shots, mainly because Westbrook shoots just as badly when he's wide open.

With six-plus feet of space, Westbrook shoots 30.7 percent on threes this year. In all situations, he shoots 30.2 percent. Defenses have nothing to lose if Westbrook takes threes, especially when it means George and Kawhi Leonard take fewer shots.

Green thought the Warriors defensive scheme of sagging off Westbrook affected the Clippers guard mentally.

"Everyone always judges Russ's jump shot," said Green in a postgame presser. "But what that does to you mentally is tough." 

He explained that the Warriors' game plan didn't necessarily "get in [Westbrook's] head," but it forced Westbrook to hesitate.

It's one game after the Warriors did the opposite to frustrate Damian Lillard, playing a box-and-one and daring him to pass, not shoot.

Golden State's defense was awful earlier in the season, but the Warriors have moved to 15th in defensive rating. They've also proven they'll adjust their scheme dramatically from game to game, which makes them seem playoff-ready.

The Warriors have a chance at a 5-0 homestand Friday night against New Orleans, with Steph Curry on track to return Sunday against the Lakers. We don't know what they're planning for Brandon Ingram, but it's going to be creative.