Golden State Warriors Prove They Can Win Playing Any Style

For a period of time in the third quarter, the Golden State Warriors were struggling, clinging to a one point lead. They were playing sloppy on the offensive end, committing tons of careless turnovers. On the defensive end, they were reckless, committing countless fouls, allowing the Memphis Grizzlies to stay in the game. Most teams would become frustrated with their play and probably lose against the grit and grind of Memphis but the Warriors prevailed and proved they can win playing any style on their way to a 100-84 victory.

The Warriors may be looked as many as a run-and-gun, uptempo team that hits lots of threes. While they are all of these things, their offense is fueled by their lockdown defense. The Warriors held the Grizzlies to an abysmal 34 percent from the field and a measly 84 points. If it was not for the 33 made free throws by the Grizzlies and all the careless turnovers committed by the Warriors, we may have seen another 50 point blowout over the Grizzlies.

The Warriors’ defense is so good because everyone plays with great effort. It starts with the point guard and reigning MVP, Stephen Curry. Curry, known for his offensive brilliance, has improved his on-the-ball defense exponentially since his rookie season and now is considered of the best defensive point guards in this league. He is among the league leaders in steals and added to that total on Wednesday, totaling five. His biggest steals of the night gave us two of the most miraculous shots we have seen this season.

On the first steal, he picked off a pass from Zach Randolph, proceeded to go behind his back to go by backup point guard, Russ Smith, felt contact from Smith and hit a wild running three off glass. Curry was livid with the officials for not rewarding him with a four-point play after the incredible shot went in. It gave the Warriors a seven point lead and shifted the momentum.

His next steal was a backbreaker for the Grizzlies and essentially put the game away. Curry locked down Smith and forced him to pass the ball with under five seconds left in the quarter. Curry deflected the pass, stole the ball, dribbled past Smith and hit a 40-foot three to put the Warriors up 11.

If it starts with Curry, it ends with Draymond Green, Green is the Warriors best defender and it was a shame he was not the Defensive Player of the Year last season. Green is so versatile on defense, guarding everyone from a driving point guard to a post up center and on Wednesday night, it was no different. He was a huge reason why Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley hit only one shot and Marc Gasol and Randolph had work for every bucket. He is a constant pest, always trying to get under his opponents’ skin and most of the time, he is successful.

Nov 11, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center

(33) drives against Golden State Warriors forward

(23) at FedExForum. Golden State defeated Memphis 100-84. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Green does all this while being “under-sized”. Green is 6’7”, the smallest power forward in the league and he is constantly going against players that are much stronger and taller than him. On Wednesday night, he had to defend 6’9” Randolph and 7’1” Gasol, arguably the biggest frontcourt in the league. Green can compete with bigger players because of his quickness and his ruggedness in the paint. He gets great position in the post, making it difficult for opponents to get a clean look. The result was Gasol going 6 of 15 and Randolph went 6 of 13, both below their season averages.

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While the Warriors defense starts with Curry and ends with Green, it is an entire team effort why the Warriors are the best in the league. There is not one player on this team that does not give effort on defense and most are above average. Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are elite perimeter defenders while Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli are forces in the paint. Put it all together and you have a team that causes lots of turnovers and missed shots, leading to run-outs, resulting in open threes and dunks on the other end.

The Warriors can outscore teams with their offense but they blow everyone out because of their defense, which is why they are off to their best start in franchise history at 9-0. They are proving to everyone that last season was not a fluke and that they are even better this season. If they keep dominating their opponents on both ends of the floor, we are looking at one of the best teams in basketball history and could be talking dynasty.