Strength in numbers
Strength in numbers is more than simply having a deep bench. While we have touched on the Golden State Warriors’ hidden role players who have proven to be quality assets — the Dubs have had strength all around this season.
It is the “next man up” mentality that has overtaken this team. Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins have all had their cold shooting nights to start the season but one of them has been there to cover for the other at all times.
Take their recent win against Detroit. With Stephen Curry sidelined due to a hip contusion, Poole blitzed the Pistons for a season-high 32 points. Likewise, when Poole was in a slump the night before in Cleveland, Curry picked up the slack by scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Then there is Wiggins, who has been relatively inconsistent to start the season. At least, by the standard he set last year. Wiggins was a 38 percent 3-point shooter last year. Now, he is at just 32.8 percent.
While Wiggins struggled to get going at times early in the season, he is averaging 22.7 points on 53.3 percent shooting from the floor over his last six games. All the while, he is playing some of the most consistent perimeter defense in the NBA.
This depth will only grow stronger once Klay Thompson returns to the mix. For now, the Warriors have a great safety net in place for anytime one of their stars is struggling.