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3 Golden State Warriors statistics summarizing first week of the NBA season

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Teammates Chris Paul #3 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on October 20, 2023 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Teammates Chris Paul #3 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on October 20, 2023 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green in action against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green in action against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

2. Defensive field-goal percentage

The Warriors biggest concern heading into the season appeared to be their lack of size, and the defensive and rebounding issues that may emanate as a result. It’s a small sample size sure, but fans could have hardly asked for anymore on that end of the floor.

Golden State currently ranks third in defensive field-goal percentage, with opposition teams currently shooting 41.7% against them. They rank seventh in defensive rating overall, having ranked 14th in the same category last season.

It’s even more impressive when you factor in their best defender, Draymond Green, missed the opening two games and was on a 20-22 minute restriction in the back-to-back against Houston and New Orleans.

With a lack of true shot-blocking presence, perhaps outside rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis who had four in less than 20 minutes on Monday, the Warriors will need to rely on their versatility to maintain a top 10 defense.

No one signifies that more than Green who, despite his disrupted preparation, kept Pelicans star Zion Williamson to 7-15 shooting and 2-5 in the second-half as Golden State outscored New Orleans 71-45.

But Green’s frontcourt partner, Kevon Looney, also deserves recognition for his defensive exploits over the first four games. The 27-year-old saw a decline in his interior defensive numbers last season, something that was a key area for improvement. Opponents are currently shooting 46.2% from within six feet with Looney as the primary defender, down from 60.1% last season. Few would expect those numbers to continue, but it’s worth a shoutout nonetheless.

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