3 Reasons Golden State Warriors have best bench in the NBA

By Tony Pesta | Nov 8, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors made a basket against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on November 05, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Grit and grind

Toughness is a difficult thing to measure. But, if there was a “grit and grind” metric in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors’ bench would probably be near the top of the list.

At the core of it all, you have someone like Andre Iguodala, a veteran leader with hyper-quick hands and the muscle mass to disrupt opponents with his physicality. Likewise, Juan Toscano-Anderson’s athleticism and frame have allowed him to wreak havoc on opponents.

Then, there is a scrappy young guard in Gary Payton II who plays every game like his NBA career depends on it. He is a constant in-your-face presence and has no problem exerting all of his energy on the defensive end of the floor.

Rounding out the bench you have Otto Porter, a trustworthy veteran defender and Damion Lee, a versatile wing who has been a pleasant (or unpleasant, depending on which side you are on) defender.

The grit of this bench unit can be seen in a few ways. Firstly, they lead the NBA in rebounds at 21.6. They also rank third in steals.

This battle-tested unit has been at the core of the Warriors’ success and it is their toughness that has transformed them into one of the best bench-mobs in the NBA.

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