Ayrton Oneill
The Golden State Warriors are considered by many to have changed the game of basketball. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors defied convention by playing without a traditional tall centre, unlocking a brand of basketball that emphasised skill over size. Curry's ability to create space and shoot three-pointers shifted the focus of the game from being bigger and taller to being more agile and mobile. The Warriors' innovative lineup decisions, combined with their dynamic players, broke records, won championships, and influenced a league of copycats, solidifying their legacy as game-changers in the NBA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Players | Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Bogut, Tony Allen, Marc Gasol |
| Strategy | Focus on agility and skill rather than size, heavy switching on defense, lots of 3-pointers |
| Impact | Inspired a league of copycats, changed the formula for success, pushed the 3-point shot to the forefront |
| Results | Broke regular season records, won championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Stephen Curry's offensive prowess
Stephen Curry is one of the most prolific players in NBA history. His offensive prowess has not only redefined the role of a point guard but has also transformed the Golden State Warriors into a dynasty. Curry's unparalleled shooting range, exceptional off-ball movement, and ability to create space have fuelled a much more potent offence with him on the floor.
Curry's impact on the Warriors' success is evident when comparing their record with him to without him. During the 2016-17 season, the Warriors were 27-4 with Curry and without Durant, but only 23-17 with Durant and without Curry. Curry's true shooting percentage (TS%), which measures shooting efficiency, consistently outperforms the league average, demonstrating his direct impact on the game. Curry's explosive shooting efficiency accounts for significantly more points scored for the Warriors, illustrating the direct impact of his scoring ability.
Curry's offensive brilliance extends beyond traditional stats like points, rebounds, and assists. His mere presence on the court elevates his teammates and improves their shooting performance. Curry's ability to draw defenders creates open shots for his teammates, shifting the balance of the game in ways that no player before him has achieved. Curry's impact on the Warriors' offence is so significant that some argue he changed basketball.
Curry's exceptional shooting ability was already on display during his college basketball days at Davidson College. He gained national attention for his long-range shooting and scoring prowess, which led to him being selected as the 7th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2009 NBA Draft. Curry's outside scoring remains the best aspect of his game, with his NBA 2K26 rating showcasing a lethal 99 Three-Point Shot capability, making him a threat from deep even with limited space on the floor.
In conclusion, Stephen Curry's offensive prowess is characterised by his unparalleled shooting range, exceptional off-ball movement, and ability to create space for himself and his teammates. His impact on the Warriors' offence has been transformative, solidifying his status as one of the most valuable offensive players in NBA history.
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Draymond Green's versatility
The Golden State Warriors changed basketball by pushing the 3-point shot to the forefront of the game, with Stephen Curry becoming known as the GOAT shooter. The Warriors also played small ball, with Steve Kerr's innovative lineup decisions, and their success inspired a league full of copycats.
One of the key players in this new style of play was Draymond Green. Green is considered undersized for a power forward at 6 feet 6 inches, but he is a versatile defender, capable of guarding all five positions as both an interior and perimeter defender. Green studies his opponents' habits and leverages his preparation, along with his muscular frame and lower-body strength, to generate rebounds, steals, and blocks. He has been named to multiple NBA All-Defensive Teams and was named the 2016-17 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Green's versatility also extends to the offensive side of the game. He can handle the ball on fast breaks and deliver passes to his teammates for scores. He is a capable three-point shooter who provides spacing for the offense by stretching the opposing defense. Green is also adept at scoring around the basket, with his ability to outrun, out-pass, and outmaneuver most other centers in the league, leading to fast-break opportunities and disrupting defensive sets.
Playing significant minutes as an undersized center in the Warriors' "Death Lineup", Green was cited as one of the leaders in an emerging trend in the NBA of versatile frontcourt players capable of playing and defending multiple positions as well as making plays for teammates. His performance in this position enabled the Warriors to create a number of matchup problems for opposing defenses during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
Overall, Draymond Green's versatility as a defender and offensive player was a key part of the Warriors' revolutionary style of play, which changed the way basketball is played in the NBA.
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Klay Thompson's shooting
Klay Thompson is considered one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. Playing alongside Stephen Curry in the Golden State Warriors' backcourt, Thompson formed one half of the most dynamic scoring duo the league has ever seen.
Thompson is a 6'7" shooting guard with exceptional shooting ability. His scoring prowess is predicated on his ability to shoot accurately from anywhere on the court. He is a career 42% three-point shooter and has made over 1,500 three-pointers in his career. Thompson's ability to shoot from deep with accuracy is a revolutionary skill that has changed the way the game is played. Before the Warriors, the three-point shot was seen as a "side dish" to a meal. The Warriors, and Curry in particular, were the first to turn it into the "main course" by centring their offence around creating space and getting open threes as a primary option almost every possession. Thompson's ability to space the floor and knock down shots from deep was a key part of this strategy.
Thompson is also an exceptional shooter off the dribble and coming off screens. He has a quick release and a high release point, making it difficult for defenders to block his shots. He is also an excellent spot-up shooter, able to get his shot off with minimal space. Thompson's ability to shoot off screens and in transition also makes him a dangerous scorer. He is often used as a decoy, forcing the defence to account for his shooting ability, which creates opportunities for his teammates.
Thompson's shooting ability has had a profound impact on the Warriors' success. During his time with the team, they have won four championships and broken numerous regular-season records. Thompson's ability to space the floor and knock down shots from deep has been a key part of the Warriors' offensive strategy, which has influenced how other teams play the game.
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Steve Kerr's innovative tactics
One of Kerr's notable tactics involves empowering his players and encouraging them to take initiative. He fosters a unified team culture by involving his players in decision-making and allowing them to contribute to strategies and in-game adjustments. This approach enhances each player's understanding of their role, fostering a sense of ownership and boosting team morale. Kerr's ability to blend concise tactical advice with encouragement results in a thriving environment of trust and camaraderie, strengthening the team's bond.
Kerr is also known for his strategic adaptability, tailoring his tactics to exploit opponent weaknesses. He employs specific player rotations and defensive structures to optimise the Warriors' performance. For instance, in the 2015 playoffs, Kerr made a radical adjustment by assigning Andrew Bogut to guard Tony Allen, a move that caught their opponents off guard and contributed to the Warriors' championship win. Additionally, Kerr's "Strength in Numbers" philosophy ensures that all players get regular touches, emphasising the importance of each individual's contribution to the team's success.
The Warriors, under Kerr's guidance, also transformed the perception of the 3-point shot. Before the Warriors, the 3-pointer was considered a secondary option. However, Kerr's Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, made it their primary offensive weapon, centring their strategy around creating space and exploiting open 3-point opportunities. This shift in offensive focus influenced the entire league, with teams increasingly adopting the 3-pointer as a key component of their gameplay.
Furthermore, Kerr's innovative lineup decisions and player utilisation challenged traditional basketball norms. He favoured smaller, more agile players over the prototypical taller centres. For example, playing Draymond Green (6'6") at centre instead of a traditional 7-footer showcased the advantages of versatility and manoeuvrability over sheer size. This approach, known as "small ball" or "no real centre" ball, further emphasised the importance of agility and strategic adaptability in basketball.
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The shift from size to skill
The Golden State Warriors have been credited with changing the way basketball is played, with Stephen Curry at the forefront of this revolution. Curry, described as the "little guy with skinny arms", defied the traditional notion that basketball was a sport for giants. The Warriors' success with Curry as the key player demonstrated a shift in focus from size to skill.
Traditionally, basketball had been a game dominated by taller and bigger players, with a direct correlation between a team's success and the quality of the player at the number five or centre position. These players, typically seven-footers, excelled in rebounding, shot-blocking, and intercepting aerial passes. However, the Warriors challenged this convention by showcasing the advantages of smaller, more agile players who could outmaneuver the larger, lumbering prototypical centres.
One notable example of this shift was the Warriors' decision to play Draymond Green (6'6") at centre instead of a traditional 7'0" player, a strategy known as "small ball". This move emphasised versatility and quickness over sheer size. Additionally, the Warriors' innovative lineup decisions, such as having Andrew Bogut guard Tony Allen in the 2015 playoffs, disrupted traditional defensive strategies and created new offensive opportunities.
The Warriors also popularised the three-point shot, making it a central part of their offensive strategy. By creating space and utilising the three-point line, Curry and his teammates, including Klay Thompson, revolutionised scoring in the NBA. This shift in offensive focus forced defences to adapt and find new ways to counter the three-point threat. As a result, the Warriors not only changed the way basketball was played but also raised the bar for the entire league, influencing the development of a new generation of players.
While some may argue that the Warriors built upon existing strategies and did not solely change the game, their success and influence are undeniable. They altered the geometry of basketball and adjusted the formula for success, showcasing that skill, quickness, and strategic innovation could triumph over sheer size and traditional play styles. The Warriors' dynasty, which included NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, left an indelible mark on the sport, influencing the play styles and strategies of teams that followed.
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Frequently asked questions
The Warriors changed basketball by popularising a style of play that focused on creating space and getting open 3s as a primary option almost every possession. This style of play was considered a trendsetter and led to a shift in focus from size to skill.
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were key pieces in the Warriors' brand of basketball that took the NBA by storm. Curry is considered the main ingredient in the Warriors' success, with his ability to create space and score from long range.
The Warriors were very successful, winning NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. They ended the 2015-2016 regular season with 73 wins and just 9 defeats, the best winning percentage ever recorded by an NBA team in an 82-game season.
