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

Illegal defense makes Steph Curry unguardable

Most modern NBA teams don’t guard Stephen Curry one-on-one. It’s impossible. His handle is too tight and his shot is too quick for most defenders. He’s just as deadly on the drive as he is beyond the arc.

To counter it, teams have a defender waiting for Curry to make his move. When he does, then that man can step up. The double team him and try to force him into traps wherever he is on the court.

There’s a notion that the physicality of the 90’s would take Curry out of games. It’s argued that that’s how you stop him today. And it’s true–being physical with any player slows him down more than the alternative. Also, the game was more physical than today’s game, but it wasn’t the rugby game people claim it was. Ticky-tack fouls have always been called.

But hand checking wouldn’t slow the deceptively strong Curry down to the point of being useless. It’s not the fist defender that gives him problems; it’s the second and third ones waiting for him to make his move. The ones that wouldn’t be there with the illegal defense rules.

Per NBA Stats, Curry averaged 1.07 points per possession in isolation situations. More than James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and pretty much most of the NBA. He could play that style if he needed to.

Curry would most likely have Jordan on him and Thompson would draw Pippen. Which would leave an Andre Iguodala or Harrison Barnes with the smaller Ron Harper. Jordan is an all-time great defender, but Curry is a special offensive force unlike anything in NBA history that would give him a run for his money.

No help waiting could bode well for the Warriors’ dynamic offense who would present a challenge with their spacing and offensive versatility that the Bulls have never seen before.

Next: A golden era