After capping a ridiculous season, that saw 67 wins, with their first NBA title since 1975, people wondered how the Golden State Warriors could do better. The Warriors felt content with their roster and had a rather quiet offseason (their biggest move was resigning Draymond Green) and set out to best themselves in the 2015-2016 season. They started the season red hot, winning their first 24 games and played so well that people wondered if they could come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bull’s 72-9 record for the best record of all time. As the season started unraveling, so did the Warrior’s win total and the record was all of a sudden in reach. Last night, with the help of Steph Curry and his 46 points, the Warriors demolished the Memphis Grizzles 125-104 to improve to 73-9, clinching the best record the league has ever seen. As the playoffs heat up, here are a few (of the many) reasons for the Warriors success.
The Warriors play a very simple game of basketball and it shows in the stat sheet. They rank top 4 in the three major categories (leading the league in Points and Assists, while ranking fourth in Rebounds). Their shooting has been the main focus of their game, as they lead the league in both Field Goal percentage and 3 Point Field Goal Percentage.
They have the most well rounded rosters in the league. Starting with, arguably, the best offensive player in the league in Point Guard, Steph Curry who is leading an offensive that ellipses 113 points a game (114.8), something the league hasn’t seen in 24 seasons when the 1992-1993 Phoenix Suns put up 113.4 a night. Curry’s sidekick, Klay Thompson, has been lights out, putting up 22 points a game and has stepped up multiple times when Curry had an off night. Their defensive is fortified by last year’s Defensive Player of the Year Runner Up, Power Forward, Draymond Green. Green’s 9.5 rebounds a game leads the defensive squad that ranks first in the league in defensive rebounds with 36 rebounds a game.
Draymond is as well rounded as they come. The first time All Star was named to last year’s All NBA Defensive First team. He has started the most games for the team, playing a career high, 34.7 minutes a game. While his 14 PPG may be so sexy to the average fan, his 9.5 RPG and 7.4 APG proves why he is such a valuable asset to the team as it is so rare to find a big man averaging high numbers in all three of those categories.
The fun doesn’t stop there. As you dig into their bench, you’ll find many veterans who have played with future Hall of Famers and offer years of knowledge and wisdom for the young players. Last year’s NBA Final’s MVP, Andre Iguodala, is the most recognizable name on the bench. He has been a major force in the league ever since he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2004. Along with being named the Final’s MVP, Iguodala’s accomplishments range from NBA All Star (2012) to NBA All Defensive First Team (2014) to NBA All NBA Defensive Second Team (2011) to NBA All Rookie First Team (2005). Another big name is Anderson Varejao, the twelve year veteran from Brazil, provides a plethora of knowledge and experience that he has gained while working alongside LeBron James for nine and a half seasons. Rounding out the bench is Leonardo Barbosa. Though he’s only playing 14 minutes a game, he provides a lot more than just stats, bringing a lot of experience that he’s picked up from the league. Since coming into the league in 2003, he has played for eight professional teams, including two pit stops in Brazil.
With the playoffs starting this upcoming weekend, the Warriors are the heavy favorite to win the NBA finals. They host the Houston Rockets this Saturday and shouldn’t have any trouble finding someone to step up. While most expect Curry to lead the way, you can always rely on his sidekick, Thompson or big man, Green and everyone can always turn to the bench for help. Whether it’s help on the court, or advice, the Warriors have numerous weapons that will look to power through the playoffs.
