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Why the Golden State Warriors would still beat the 95-96 Bulls

By Carlos Murillo

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, right) celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, right) celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) shoots as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (right) defends during the second half in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Warriors would love the physicality

For one half of the basketball watching world, the Golden State Warriors are too soft. For the other half, they’re a bunch of bullies that get away with being way too physical. People love to create narratives to fit their situation.

The Warriors welcome physicality. It’s what makes their defense so great. Green and Andrew Bogut used their bodies to gain advantages throughout the course of a game. A little hold here and a little nudge there and all of a sudden they are in great decision to get a stop.

Golden State excelled with their small lineup. The Death Lineup with Green at the center spot was one of the best defensive units in basketball. They used their quickness to eliminate size mismatches all over the floor and their versatility allowed them shut down explosive players and offenses.

Now imagine them using their incredibly high basketball IQ, versatility, and speed in addition to their hands? Andre Iguodala has done a wonderful job with LeBron James, an amazing physical specimen. While Jordan is one of the greatest offensive players ever, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that the 2015 Finals MVP and the Warriors could contain him.

Oddly enough, the Warriors have often been falsely accused of being too soft to play in that era. They would have two championships if they did though. Green accrued too many flagrant points this postseason and, thus, was suspended. That physicality would have, mostly, been overlooked. No suspension and the Warriors beat Cleveland in five.

A guy like Curry has great footwork. If he could use his hands as was allowed twenty years ago, he would be considered a much better defender. Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala patrolling the perimeter, hand checking, would be deadly. And, of course, Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green never shy away from physicality (at least, for Bogut, on defense).

Giving them freedom to be more physical would be a boost to their all-time great defense. One that’s far more complex and revolutionary than anything the 1990’s had to offer. A defense with multiple elite defenders who can take turns on one of the greatest offensive players ever, taking advantage of simple offensive sets and limited spacing.

Next: Simple math

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