Reason No. 2 why Golden State Warriors should be title favorite: Adaptability
The Warriors adapt to their opponent and then they enforce their strategy and dominance onto them. Basically, the way to best show this is how well the Warriors have played directly after the half.
While the Warriors have the best net rating in the NBA, a mere calculation of offensive rating minus defensive rating, it’s just 3.2 better than the No. 2 team. Well, in the 12 minutes following half, it gets to an almost borderline unthinkable level.
The Warriors’ third-quarter net rating is at 27.8. For starters, that’s just absurd, but considering the spread between them and the second-place Cavaliers is more than 14, it’s even more ridiculous.
The Warriors know how to adapt and destroy. That’s partially huge praise on head coach Steve Kerr, but it goes to show the preparation that the players in the rotation do to prepare for their opponent.
That ability to adapt and overcome high-level opponents will be huge in the playoffs, and it’s a key reason why they’re separating themselves from other top-tier teams.