Lack Of Depth Will Hurt Golden State Warriors This Season
The Golden State Warriors had the best bench in the NBA last season. Because of that, they didn’t lose a game until Dec. 12. This season so far has told a totally different story.
Through six games, the Golden State Warriors don’t look like a title contender. Yes, they have the three best scorers in the NBA. Yes, Kevin Durant is shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor, the best ever in his career.
But, what about defense? It seems the Warriors have abandoned their defensive philosophy for an offensive one.
Last season, Golden State gave up 104.1 points per game, which ranked 19th in the NBA. Through six games, they’re currently ranked 28th in the NBA in points allowed. They gave up 129 points in their opening-night loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Keep in mind, the Warriors didn’t lose a game until Dec. 12 last season.
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Their early losses are largely due to lack of depth and bench play. Last season, the Warriors ranked fifth in the NBA as a team, snagging 45.5 rebounds a game. Through six games, the Warriors rank 17th in rebounds per game.
Fatigue Will Play A Factor
The loss to the Los Angeles Lakers also showed fatigue may play a factor for this season’s team. Stephen Curry shot 0-for-10 from the three point line and 5-of-17 from the field. Curry’s 157-game streak of making at least one three-pointer was snapped in the process.
On zero days rest, the Warriors allowed 103.3 points per game last season. In their first back-to-back game, it seemed the Warriors used all their energy in their game against Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.
They allowed 117 points to a young Los Angeles Lakers squad. Even in losses last season, the Warriors allowed an average of 112.9 points per game. This season, in their two losses they have surrendered an average of 123 points.
Now, airballs aren’t a product of bad players, but rather fatigue. Last season, team fatigue was offset by a their strong bench play. This season, the bench just doesn’t seem to be there yet. And it’s showed.
Curry is shooting 35.2 percent from the three-point stripe, the lowest percentage of his career. Forward Draymond Green has shot 22.2 percent from three. In his past three seasons, he’s shot 33 percent or better.
Shooting guard Klay Thompson is shooting 19.6 percent from three-point range. His 38.4 shooting percentage overall doesn’t help matters either. Granted, it’s been six games, but their two losses this season have been ugly.
Defensive Depth Led The Way Last Season
With the two best shooters in the NBA last season, the Warriors were dominant, winning by an average margin on 10.8 points per game. They were the best in the NBA at winning games in very convincing fashion. Their reserves tied for 18th in bench scoring with 33.8 points per game.
With arguably the three best shooters this season, they’ve won their four games by 2.3 points per game. Their bench this season ranks 25th, putting up 28 points per game.
The Warriors are shooting 29.8 percent from three-point range as a team. To put that in perspective, the Warriors bench shot 41.6 percent last season.
This season, the bench is shooting 28.1 percent from three. This isn’t good for the psyche of a team looking to return to the NBA Finals.
My goodness, Larry Nance 😱 https://t.co/OEpvhaMJAT
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) November 5, 2016
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Highlight dunks like Lakers’ forward Larry Nance Jr.‘s were rare last season. They were met by a stout defensive Warriors presence in the paint with either Andrew Bogut or Festus Ezeli. With Zaza Pachulia and David West, they haven’t found the same formula.
Where Are The Warriors’ Bigs?
Pachulia has averaged 20 minutes per game and West just 8.3 minutes per contest this season. Bogut and Ezeli combined to average more than 36 minutes per game for the Warriors last season.
Add Marreese Speights‘ 11 minutes per game to the mix and it’s no wonder the Warriors are having so many problems with opposing big men.
Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge put up 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the Spurs’ 129-100 victory on opening night. Lakers forward Julius Randle had 20 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers’ 117-97 victory on Saturday.
The Warriors ranked fifth last season in rebounds per game, grabbing 45.5 rebounds a contest. This season, they are tied for 17th with 43.2 rebounds per game. They’re going to have to find a paint protector if they want to return to another NBA Finals.
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Pachulia only played 17 minutes in their loss to the Lakers. West played almost six minutes. If the Warriors plan this season is to outscore teams, the results could be disastrous. Defense wins championships, after all.