Warriors: The 5 keys to their record-breaking 16-0 start
By Tom West
Pace
As we mentioned with Green, everyone on the Warriors’ roster needs to be able to pass. As a team who relies so heavily on perimeter shooting, they need players who can keep the ball moving, avoid turnovers, and find open men quickly as screens and off-ball rotations create open looks.
Their league-best 29.6 assists per game allows them to out-manveure their opponents, as they have so many good passers across their roster it’s only a matter of time before they can spread defenses thin till a shot opens up. And when it does, you can count on them to find the open man. That’s a major reason why they have a team three point percentage of 41.
Of course, quick possessions from hot shooting or Curry burying a three within a few seconds of the shot clock starting is a reason they play at such pace. They’re confident in their scoring ability and they’re more than justified for being that way. When their shots are falling, they can just run simple high-screens to get a knockdown shooter open and score in an instant. That’s a perk of having five players on your team who shoot more than 39 percent from three.
With hand-offs to create shots or just constant passing from penetration or movement around the perimeter, the Warriors’ half court offense alone has excellent pace. Add in their play in transition, and it’s no surprise they rank 4th in the NBA with 101.8 possessions per game.
It’s not just that, though. It’s their defense (which will be discussed more on the next slide) that allows them to create so many possessions each game.
They can rotate so effectively with help defense, shutdown drives to the basket with Festus Ezeli or Andrew Bogut at center, or smother opponents with a small ball lineup, that the second opponents fail to score, the Warriors break out in transition. Just their 9.4 steals per game alone can create countless fast break opportunities.
They don’t hesitate and always look to push the pace. As if the Warriors weren’t already intimidating enough from their talent alone, they come at you with relentless aggression. It’s overwhelming for other teams, and it’s one of their most valuable attributes.
Next: Incredible defensive versatility