3 ways the Golden State Warriors abuse high-caliber contenders

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Draymond Green #23 and Andrew Wiggins #22 during the NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on May 21, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Why the Golden State Warriors have beat contenders: Suffocating defense

Despite Thompson, who was one of the league’s best 3-and-D players being sidelined for the entirety of the current season, the Warriors defense has still excelled. Potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Green, has been a staple of the defense.

Two-time MVP, Stephen Curry, has elevated his game in the absence of Thompson, as well. Newcomers like Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. have also impacted the team’s defensive dynamic in a noticeable way.

Overall, the Warriors currently hold the No. 1 defensive rating in the NBA.

While the Cavaliers, Jazz, and Nets are also near the top, the Warriors are truly in a league of their own. Curry ranks top five as well in individual defensive rating among players that average over 20 minutes and have played over 20 games.

Curry’s superb defense has aided the Warriors in holding their opponents’ field goal percentage to 42.7%, the best in the league. Most recently, they held the Suns to 107 points and the Utah Jazz to 116, obviously outscoring both.

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