It seems like the opening night punch in the mouth never happened to the Warriors.
What stilted offense? I have no recollection of any rebounding deficiencies, your honor. Not being laser focused on defense? The Dubs I know don’t get down like that, player, so watch your tone.
Winning games and winning them big gives you the good feels, but it’s not always about scoring points. Starting with the fourth quarter in Phoenix, the Warriors have been on a defensive roll. After allowing the Spurs and Warriors to shoot 48 and 47 percent respectively, Golden State has gotten after their opponents with some defensive bite. Phoenix, 41 percent. Portland, 43 percent (Damian Lillard 8-19 shooting). Oklahoma City, 40 percent (Russell Westbrook 4-15, 6 turnovers). Yes, seeing Steph Curry and Kevin Durant be their usual brilliant selves offensively (along with Klay Thompson rediscovering his three point stroke last night) is always worth celebrating, but have you already forgotten how the Golden State Warriors won their first title in forty years?
While this Warrior team is smaller than previous iterations, it still has the ability to be lethal defensively. Last night had a sequence that perfectly illustrated what this Warrior team is capable of when it comes to consistent defensive effort. When Draymond Green blocked Russell Westbrook’s shot and Kevin Durant got him right after, it was a thing of beauty. Remember, when the Warriors were at their best defensively, it positively ignited their offense. There’s no reason they can’t replicate that with this crew.
What I love about this teams’ defensive potential is that their newest member can be their other defensive fire starter. I had no idea how much of a capable defensive player Kevin Durant is. Combine his 7′ 5″ wingspan with his ability and willingness to operate in the passing lanes, and you have a guy who can be just what the Dubs need if they want to get back to playing the type of defense that won them a championship two seasons ago.