2nd unit’s defense ignites scoring runs

Just imagine the momentary relief opponents must feel when they spot Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant on the bench to start the second and fourth quarters.

Just imagine the enduring frustration those same opponents feel when the Warriors still put together one of their swift, signature runs.

This happened twice in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Utah, and by now it should count as little surprise. The Warriors lean on a defensive-minded quintet of starters Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, plus reserves Andre Iguodala, David West and Ian Clark.

Clark is the least heralded member of this so-called second unit, but he personifies the group in some ways — hungry, eager to play defense, adept at moving without the ball. He realizes surges such as Tuesday night’s, when the Warriors outscored the Jazz 12-4 to start the second quarter and 10-0 to begin the fourth, can demoralize foes.

“When we put in the second unit and make a run like that, it ignites the crowd and ignites our team,” Clark said.

The spark arrives in a different form than the common perception of the Warriors. Fans across the country are accustomed to seeing Curry and Durant rain down three-point shots; or Curry dance to the basket, as he did on Rudy Gobert in Game 1; or Durant post up a smaller defender.

Clark and his cohorts typically do not operate this way. They take their cues from Green and Thompson, the two most accomplished defensive players among Golden State’s starting five.

West and Iguodala offer veteran savvy gleaned through a collective 27 seasons in the NBA. They also know how to set up their teammates: West had seven assists Tuesday night (in 18 minutes) and Iguodala added five.

“It gives us a different dynamic than the starters,” Clark said Wednesday. “Those guys can create their own shots when they want. With the second unit, we rely more on getting stops and pushing in transition. …

“Especially in the last third of the season and now going into the playoffs, I think we’ve found a groove with the second unit.”

Clark also contributes, as he did with six points in Game 1. He has become a favorite target for West, who often delivers timely passes to Clark as he cuts to the basket.

“He’ll throw them sometimes when the defense is looking and when you’re not looking,” Clark said. “You have to have your hands ready.”

West, much like Green, is not afraid to raise his voice on the court. Clark listens, fully aware he’s 26 and trying to make his name in the league and West is 36, a two-time All-Star with serious credibility.

This second unit brings a none-too-subtle defensive emphasis, which suits Clark just fine.

“Those guys will yell at you,” he said. “But you want to hold up your end, because you know they’re going to be effective defensively.”