Golden State Warriors bench is rolling
You have heard it by now but Strenght in Numbers 2.0 is more than wishful thinking. It is for real. Through 11 games, the Dubs have had the best second unit in the NBA by a wide margin.
From a statistical standpoint, the Warriors bench is fifth in scoring, second in field goal percentage, third in 3-pointers made, fourth in 3-point percentage, first in rebounds, first in assists, second in steals and has the best plus/minus in the NBA at plus-6.8. The next closest? The New York Knicks, who are a plus 4.4.
How has the Warriors bench gone from a weakness to one of their biggest strengths in just a few months? It is the tandem of player development and a boost of veteran leadership.
First and foremost, players like Gary Payton II and Damion Lee can not receive enough credit for their personal growth. Lee is among the best 3-point shooters in the league right now while Payton has emerged as a dynamic defensive specialist who is applying constant pressure on the rim with backdoor cuts and lob plays.
Then, there is the collection of Andre Iguodala, Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter. These three have each had shining moments to start the season and their ability to defend, pass the ball and shoot (excluding Iggy) has given Golden State the luxury of utilizing any lineup that fits their current needs.