Comparing the Golden State Warriors and the ’95-96 Chicago Bulls
What similarities are there between the 16-0 Golden State Warriors and the ’95-96 Chicago Bulls team that won 72 games?
The Golden State Warriors are off to their best start in franchise history, winning an NBA record 16 games to start the season.
This incredible start has lots of people wondering how many games this team can possibly win. The number, 72, comes to every basketball fan’s mind, which was the amount of wins the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls accomplished in their own historic season.
That team was led by Michael Jordan, the greatest player in the history of the NBA. That season, Jordan won his fourth championship in six years and was on his way to winning six in eight years. Not only did the Bulls have Jordan, but they also had two more Hall of Fame players, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and arguably the best coach of the modern era, Phil Jackson. They also had some guy named Steve Kerr, who has some relation to both of these franchises. This team was an absolute juggernaut and some experts believe it was best team ever. The Warriors can only dream of having that much success in the modern NBA, where it is quite difficult to even win back-to-back championships.
The game of basketball has changed so much since the dominant Bulls team. In the 1990s, the NBA featured much more post play, mid range shooting and aggressive defense. The 1990s featured dominant centers like Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo. Players were able to play aggressive defense by hand checking their opponents, something the Bulls flourished at.
Oct 14, 2015, Shanghai, China; Charlotte Hornets principal owner Michael Jordan watches first half action against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny La-USA Today Sports
Actually, the Bulls played the same type of “small ball” the Warriors played in today’s NBA. The Bulls were able to switch everything on defense because Jordan, Pippen, Rodman and point guard Ron Harper were all so versatile on defense. The Bulls were able to use their length, strength and quickness, much like the Warriors, to disrupt their opponent. Jordan, Pippen and Rodman could all guard one (point guard) through four (power forward).
On offense, the Bulls ran Tex Winter’s triangle offense, which was perfect for Jordan and Pippen’s playmaking abilities. It was established to combat the “Jordan Rules” that were popular in the late 1980s. Jordan was a one-on-one player who would always try to score without help from his teammates, which it made it easy for the Detroit Pistons to guard and punish him. With the triangle offense, Jordan scored more off the pass rather than playing iso-ball all the time. It made it difficult for their opponents to defend them and would open up good looks at the hoop.
Now, the game is predicated on the three pointer and lob dunks. Most teams do not play good defense; rather, they try to outscore their opponents instead of getting defensive stops. The Warriors are a rarity in today’s game because they are able to play both ends of the court at a high pace. They can shoot the lights out from three-point range while locking their opponents down on defense. Last season, this was a recipe for success and they are looking to duplicate that performance. Their offense is reliant on ball movement and not finding good shots but “great” shots. This is why Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala are all having breakout seasons.
On defense, the Warriors love their “small” lineup because like the Bulls, they can switch everything with the exception of Curry. Their defense may be even more versatile than the Bulls because of Green playing the center position. In the Bulls “small” lineup, Toni Kukoc would play center but he was looked at as more of an offensive player than a defensive stalwart. Green can defend any position on the floor and can really hold his own against any center in this league. Much of that has to do with the lack of post play in today’s league but is still an incredible accomplishment for 6’7″ forward. Add Iguodala, Barnes and Thompson and the Warriors have the most versatile defensive wings in the NBA. Where the Warriors differ from the Bulls on defense is that they can can play “big” as well.
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Andrew Bogut is one of the best rim protectors in the game and Festus Ezeli gets better by the game on both ends of the floor. Opposing guards and wings are discouraged to drive to the rim because of the threat of their shot being altered or blocked. This plays right into the Warriors’ hands because their length bothers their opponents and are able to contest jumpers, usually resulting in long rebounds and transition hoops.
On paper, the Warriors may be better than the Bulls. They shoot the ball better, allow a lower shooting percentage, score more and are more unselfish but in today’s game, it will be very difficult to equal or eclipse the Bulls record mark. They also are favored in 64 of their last 66 games with only trips to San Antonio where they are the underdog. In the 1990s, coaches did not give their stars nights off like the Warriors are sure to do with Curry if they build up a big enough lead in the Western Conference. Which is fine because the Warriors ultimate goal is to repeat as champions, not set a regular season record. No one will remember this team if it wins 73 games and loses the NBA championship like the Dallas Mavericks from 2007 when they lost to the “We Believe” Warriors.
If the Warriors win 72 or more and win an NBA championship, they will be the best team in NBA history. But they should not risk injury to achieve that goal.