The bench has experience
I do not think you can point to a single thing that is more responsible for the Golden State Warriors’ success this season other than an influx of experienced players.
The ball has been fizzing around the floor each night as the Dubs relentlessly apply pressure to opposing defenses to keep up. One of the first lessons we learned in basketball is that no amount of running can outpace the basketball when it is being passed correctly.
As a result, Golden State is leading the league in assists and the high-IQ members of the second unit have made this possible. Vets like Nemanja Bjelica, Andre Iguodala, Otto Porter Jr. and a surprisingly talented playmaker in Juan Toscano-Anderson have made the substitution process seamless for the Dubs’ offense.
Last season, the Warriors were plagued by the tunnel-vision tendencies of Kelly Oubre Jr. and an overall lack of experience with players such as Eric Paschall, Mychal Mulder, James Wiseman and Alen Smailagić eating minutes.
Damion Lee, Jordan Poole and Anderson were a part of that inexperienced second unit last season. Yet, the luxury of playing multiple seasons together, along with impressive developments from those three, has created a sense of cohesion that allows them to break through as quality cogs in the machine.
As they say, it truly helps to have guys who know what they are doing. The veteran upgrades to the bench, as well as a general improvement from the existing players, have led to a trustworthy group of good decision-makers leading the bench.