Yeah, They're Still Undefeated - Golden State Warriors
Kendall Lewis
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Indianapolis, IN
12/8/2015
The Golden State Warriors are in an unpredictable position at this point of the 2015-16 NBA season. The reigning league champions might not see it that way, but practically every individual on the plenty definitely does. The first quarter of a long 82-game season has come to an end, and this team has compiled an astounding 22-0 record. Nobody on Earth saw this coming. Opponents, fans, haters are all shocked to see the Warriors still undefeated. The interesting thing is that the organization isn't surprised at all. Why? The head coach isn't present, Harrison Barnes is injured, and there's a target on their backs every night. The answer is that learning how to win a championship as a group, transitions to a phase of hunger (winning attitude) that mere-individuals can't comprehend. Golden State has gone from being the new kids on the block, to America's hottest sports spectacle.
"The Next Man Up"
Luke Walton
Head Coach Interim Coach of the Golden State Warriors
Profile
- University of Arizona Forward, played for the great Lute Olsen.
- Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003.
- Won championships, just like his father (Bill Walton) did.
- Played under the great Phil Jackson in L.A.
- Became Josh Pastner's assistant at Memphis during 2011 NBA lockout.
- Player development coach for the Los Angeles D-Fenders (D-League).
- Joined Warriors in 2014, then replaced head coach Steve Kerr during his leave of absence (due to acquired back pain).
- Was apparently "stalked," by a woman in the past... LUUUUUUKKE!
There's questions as to whether or not Coach Walton is effecting the current 22-0 start, for whatever reason. Of course the Warriors are defending champs, have the same loaded roster from a year ago and make it all look easy. Regardless... He's the coach of a 22-0 team. Yes, this situation would be different if he were coaching another team; but the profile speaks for itself. Being able to be coached by not one, but tow legends like Phil Jackson (professionally) and Lute Olsen (collegiately) is insane. If anyone else were in his place, they'd have no choice but to have a great start as a coach! Picking the brains of those "old heads," is the best thing that could ever happen to him. The best part about this, is that Walton's teams were always stacked while being coached by those two. Witnessing how the mentor's handled mega-rosters and being able to pick their brain's, is why Walton IS and WILL be a successful coach during his entire tenure. Basically, he deserves some credit for the record, and it's great to see his stock rise amongst league executives. Just know that the Lakers, Sixers, and Nets will be negotiating for his services by the 2016 offseason.
"Chef Curry"
30 Stephen Curry, Guard
- BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA, RIGHT NOW. Too consistent, can score 40 in 24 mins.
(34 minutes per game) 32 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg, 47% 3PFG (31/80)
"The Chill Bro"
11 Klay Thompson, Guard
- Yes, he's still a Splash Bro. Quiet and monotone, but is still rollin'.
(32 minutes per game) 17 ppg, 42% 3PFG (58/138)
"Talks the Talk, but Walks the Walk"
23 Draymond Green, Forward
- Simply.. a Stat sheet Killer. Undoubtedly, the most important player on GSW besides Curry.
(34 minutes per game) 13 ppg, 9 rpg, 7 apg, 38% 3PFG (31/80)
"X-Factor"
40 Harrison Barnes, Forward
- His presence is underrated because of the deep lineup, but they'll need him in the playoffs.
(30 minutes per game) 13 ppg, 5 rpg, 39% 3PFG (21/54)
"Mr. Reliable"
9 Andre Iguodala, Forward
- Iggy doesn't provide the prototypical "fantasy bball points," but doesn't need to. Great veteran.
(27 minutes per game) 8 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg
"Big Uglies"
12 Andrew Bogut, Center
31 Festus Ezeli, Center
- They hold down the fort. Block/foul when necessary, and get ORBS* off unusual missed shots.
Bogut and Ezeli:
(20 minutes per game each) TOTAL - 14 ppg, 13 rpg, 4 bpg, 62% FG, don't foul out much.
*ORBS = Offensive Rebounds
"Subordinate Factors"
34 Shaun Livingston, Guard
19 Leandro Barbosa, Guard
- Provide the athleticism, pace-control, shooting, ball handling while Curry and Thompson rest.
Livingston: 5 ppg, 3 apg. Barbosa: 7 ppg, 2 spg, 46% 3PFG (18/39)
LAST WORD...
Golden State's Positives:
The Warriors average 115 ppg, while opponents only manage to drop 100 (outscored by 15).
- Tenacious D - hold a top 10 defensive efficiency rating in the NBA.
- Shoot 49% as a team on offense (44% from 3, 52% from 2).
- League leader in assists per game (29 apg), TRB* (46 rpg) and #2 NBA rank in blocks (7 bpg).
*TRB = Total Rebounds
Early Weaknesses:
If any team wants to earn the first victory against this team, they'll have to pay attention to these key components:
- Opposing teams average 9 steals per game (find a way to control 'their own pace').
- Take advantage of Klay Thompson guarding the best offensive guards (have to win that matchup).
- The Warriors tend to let opposing teams have plenty of opportunities for efficient points in the point and mid-range jumpers. (LAST in NBA guarding 2PFG, this will hurt them in the playoffs).
- Attack the rim methodically (get the centers into foul trouble, they only earn 3 fouls per game!)
- DO NOT WATCH or even think about doubling Curry (good luck in 1 on 1).
- Move along the arc and baseline in a 'shell-drill' type method (only way to locate opponent away from the ball).
- 25 FTA for opposing teams each game in 2015-16 (make the freebie's).
- Give Walton opportunities to coach some close games, and see what he's made off in the huddle.
- And last, but not least... Hope that they simply do not shot the basketball lights out after tip-off.