The Golden State Warriors advanced to 7-1 on the young season, behind an impressive 126-85 win over the short-handed Pelicans. NBA fans and Warrior fans alike assumed Golden State would be a contender once again this season.
However, most did not believe the defense would be the early success to this season. Granted, as Andre Iguodala stated postgame, you can’t look too much into the record. The Warriors have had a fairly easy schedule. “We’re OK. We’re a work in progress,” Iguodala said per Steve Berman.
The Golden State Warriors have been dominant on the defensive end this season, and it’s something that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Numbers
Let’s take a look at the numbers to see just how good this Dubs defense has been. In the last three games alone, the Warriors have given up 82, 92, and 85 points in total. Not to mention, holding Charlotte to their lowest total of the season in Wednesday’s win over the explosive Hornets.
They followed that up with holding New Orleans to their lowest point total of the year.
The Pelicans were without their two top scorers in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Nonetheless, the Warriors bounced back from a terrible first quarter defensively. The final three quarters of game action, the Dubs only allowed 54 points.
Currently, the Warriors rank No. 1in the NBA in terms of defense.
In fact, this current number would be the best the NBA has seen in the last 18 years. With the offense lacking at times, having a defense this good is the sole reason why the Warriors are 7-1 and tied for 1st in the West.
Lockdown Backcourt
Yes,f you read that title correctly. The Dubs have a lockdown duo starting at the guard spots. Even without All-Defensive team Klay Thompson. Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole will light you up for 60 combined on any given night.
No one, and I mean no one, saw them becoming a powerhouse on the defensive end. When it comes to guards who have played a minimum of 200 minutes, Curry has the best defensive rating at 97.8.
Who is right behind him?
You guessed it, Jordan Poole at 98.3.
Against Charlotte, Curry held his matchups to a 4-for-17 shooting night including two turnovers. The days of “attacking” Curry are over. That was highlighted tonight with two huge blocks, matching his career high.
Everything seems to be clicking right now for the Dubs. We all know the offense will come, and if the defense can remain even close to the level it currently is.
The Dubs are a serious contender. Not to mention they have Klay Thompson’s return coming soon. The Warriors matchup with the Rockets Sunday night. Another young but exciting team, let’s see if the defense shows up again.
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