One of the most recent hot takes in the NBA from some has been, the Warriors were better last season without Kevin Durant than they are since Durant signed with Golden State. Last season’s Warriors were an average rebounding team but this season’s team has gotten worse in that category. Another reason behind this hot take is Durant’s chemistry issues of the past and present. The Warriors were actually better last season in part due to a better inside game.
Two different philosophies that will clash often this season are can a team win just by outscoring opponents 134-133 or will there need to be even a small sense of urgency on the defensive end. The Warriors will be at the center of this philosophy clash when this debate takes on more meaning come playoff time. When opposing defenses are stopping an offensive effort to constantly move without the ball, it helps to have one of the prolific half-court scorers in the league.
The Warriors do not have as deep of a bench as they have had in previous seasons and rookies will likely play a big role in how far the team goes. One of the biggest reasons why the Warriors could be in bigger trouble in a 7 game series is because of the thin inside game. Who will be able to guard LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin and stop them? Will the Warriors be able to stop opposing offenses score inside as the team lost Andrew Bogut (was in the top six rim protectors in 2015-16) and Harrison Barnes in the offseason?
Furthermore, high percentage shots inside the arc. The 3-point game is a much bigger part of the Warrior’s game but that comes with a risk. Missed shots leading to long rebounds but the Warriors can adjust to that by getting to the rim more often and use their outside shooting threat to open up lanes to cut for a quick pass and an easy lay up.
It will be incumbent on opposing teams to be discipline and take away any thoughts of going inside with only one 7 foot forward and if that strategy is successful, the Warriors are reduced to being a one-dimensional team. This is not as easy as it sounds considering in part because the Warriors can execute the pick-and-roll game as good as anyone with Durant. Even with the Warriors issues on the offensive glass, if opposing team’s big men fail to box out, there is Curry, Thompson and Durant and it is almost certain that the rebound will lead to a 3.
One way opposing team’s can beat the Warriors is to make Curry and Durant play defense, that says do not get in the habit of taking lazy shots that play into the Warriors game. One of the weaknesses that Curry and Durant have is playing defense and forcing them to do more of that will make those two tired. Make Curry navigate through a maze of big men.
Will the Warriors win 60 games assuming there are no major injuries? Very likely, but the idea that they are going to run the table throughout the western conference playoffs and win a ring is not obvious right now. If one of their stars suffers an injury during the playoffs, there is a good chance the team would only get to the second round. Don’t forget, there was a mini scare in last year’s playoffs for the Warriors, when Curry missed part of the playoffs due to a knee injury. Part of defeating the Warriors includes luck and hoping they will not connect from downtown but that is a gamble. Despite the diminished inside game, the Warriors are still a legitimate threat.
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