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Is the Golden State Warriors’ improved defense for real?

By Evan Quarnstrom

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Willie Cauley-Stein #2 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on November 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Willie Cauley-Stein #2 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Target Center on November 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

As of late, the Golden State Warriors have shown marked improvement on the defensive side of the ball, but with the current roster configuration, is this something that we can expect to last?

The Golden State Warriors have gone on a mini hot streak, winning four of their last five games prior to Tuesday’s game against the Spurs. Much of this success has been due to vastly improved effort on the defensive end.

Draymond Green has shown that he still can turn it on when needed, Willie Cauley-Stein has shown flashes of the rim protector that we all hope he can consistently become, and Glen Robinson III has solidified himself as the top wing defender on the squad.

Marquese Chriss, Damion Lee, and even D-Lo have all chipped in as well, among others.

The increased effort and team cohesion has led the Dubs to boast the 8th best defensive rating in the league during this stretch since December 19, allowing 105 points per game. (This average includes the recent blowout against the Mavericks where the Warriors gave up 141 points.)

The new-found defensive intensity could not have been better exemplified than the nationally televised game against the Houston Rockets, where the Dubs absurdly held James Harden to zero points at the free-throw line. Russell Westbrook finished a measly 11 of 32 shooting.

Contrast that with the Warriors’ defense prior to December 19 and you can see why they are winning: They previously ranked 26th in the league, giving up 113 points per game.

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Anyone who has followed the Dubs this season can attest that the team’s defensive fundamentals have been greatly improved. This includes simple things like not reaching, staying between your man and the hoop, communicating switches, and knowing your opponents in the pick and roll.

The opponent’s field goal percentage says it all: Up to December 18, the Warriors were allowing their opponents to shoot 47.8% from the field and a league-worst 39.7% from three. Now, since December 19, the Warriors boast an impressive 43.4% opponent field goal percentage including 33% from three. (This is especially impressive considering the barrage of threes that the Mavericks rained in on Saturday.)

Still, the question is, is the current defensive dominance here to stay, or are we getting a little ahead of ourselves?

I think the answer is yes, and no. Here are three reasons for each side.

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