The Golden State Warriors have a league-best 8 wins and 1 loss. They boast the #1 net rating and defensive rating in the NBA. They are the top scorers, shooters from deep, and have the most assists. They’re 3rd in both rebounds and steals, and 2nd in field goal percentage allowed as well as three-point percentage allowed. Steph Curry is playing below his usual standard, Klay Thompson and James Wiseman are both injured, yet the Warriors are still the top dog in the West.
Read MoreThis season Steph Curry is “struggling” with his offensive efficiency, averaging 25.1 points on 42% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Certainly a dip from last season, but he doesn’t have to put up 40 points a game to lead the Dubs to a win. One category that has been underlooked this season, and most seasons, is his defense. Unlike years past, his defense has improved and there are stats to back that up.
Read MoreA night like Sunday can make Warriors fans forget a lot about the hubbub of the NBA offseason.
And for good reason – Golden State has the current league-leader in 3-pt shooting, and it isn’t Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson or even Jordan Poole, it is offseason pickup Nemanja Bjelica with a gaudy 55.6%.
Otto Porter Jr.’s performance in the victory over Houston also garnered deserved praise, as the veteran went 5-of-7 from distance, good for 15 points along with his nine rebounds. Many a story has also been written about Gary Payton II, with GP2’s performances justifying his selection for a roster spot over Avery Bradley. Andre Iguodala has continued to do Iguodala things, which should come as no surprise from a mainstay of a dynastic era.
Read MoreWhile the Bulls and Heat both had some great free agency moves, the most impactful ones were arguably the Golden State Warriors. With Steph Curry playing average for the first time in a long time, the team has a whole has put itself on its back to the best start in the league at 8-1. There are a lot of factors that go into this, but it’s mostly two things: Improved shooting around Curry, improved defensive prowess, and a ton more buy-in.
Read MoreWarriors forward and #7 overall pick in the 2021 draft Jonathan Kuminga was brought back from the G-League today in time for the Warriors to face off against the Rockets, per Warriors PR. Kuminga had a solid game last night against the Stockton Kings, putting up 15 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, a steal and a monster block in the Santa Cruz Warriors loss.
Read MoreThe Warriors’ bench scoring has been one of the team’s best success stories this season in their wins. While it sometimes looks like Steph has no help out there, when he comes off the floor, the 2nd unit gets it done much better than people would think. Of the Warriors top four scorers per game, two of those on the list are bench guys: Jordan Poole in 2nd (not much of a surprise there)… and surprisingly, Damion Lee in 4th.
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