The Warriors’ start to the season has been very solid; a 7-2 record, including a victory on the road to early season rivals Houston Rockets at a time where both teams had not yet lost. However, after just nine games played out of 82, it may be too early to predict great things for Golden State this season. But here’s why it isn’t…
When talking of the Golden State Warriors, it’s hard not to mention their back court. Whether you think of it as the best shooting back court ever to play in the NBA or an overrated selfish duo that greedily snatch all the points in detriment to the team, there’s no denying that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson look even more unstoppable than in previous seasons. Curry, 24.2 ppg, and Thompson, 24.3 ppg, are obviously carrying their team’s offense so far. In terms of reliability, that’s far from a bad thing for Golden State, as those two are consistent enough to be given the responsibility of scoring the majority of the points. But these two seem to manage to do more than that; Steph Curry averages 6.9 assists per game, which is mind-blowing considering he is also scoring over 24 points, whilst Thompson has over three rebounds and three assists each game. That proves that these two aren’t just pure shooters who prioritize individual points scored and not team wins; which is consolidated by the fact they both average only just under 50% FG (48.7% for Curry and 46.7% for Thompson).
But it isn’t only the two guards who are impressive on the offensive front. As a team, Golden State shoot 47% from the field, which would be a great stat for one game, let alone spread out over six of them. Interestingly, in the games that Golden State lost they shot 41% from three point, which is three per cent higher than their average during their seven wins (38%). Which portrays that the Warriors, contrary to public opinion, win games by doing far more than just shooting three pointers.
And that’s why this year they will go very far. Unlike in previous years, Golden State look very solid in the paint. Led by Draymond Green, over 14 points a game and just under eight rebounds, the Warriors have managed to create solid play down low, which used to be their main weakness defensively. Nowadays opponents can no longer focus on inside scoring to rip apart this team that used to not be very physical. And that’s forgetting the fact that David Lee has only played one game due to his hamstring injury. But the paint remains well guarded by Bogut, who is averaging 11.2 rebounds and more than two blocks a game. If the big men can avoid injuries, Golden State should be able to feel safe with their roster down low.
In addition to a great roster, Golden State have managed to time their good streak with the Western Conference’s shaky start. San Antonio, the defending champs, have not been exceptional (5-4), but more importantly teams that were (and are) expected to challenge Golden State in the West such as the Thunder and the Nuggets have had an awful start (3-7-5 and 2-6). This head start they have already acquired on such teams could be critical for the Warriors in getting a good playoff spot at the end of the season. And once that is achieved, who knows how far this team could go?
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