With all the attention given to the records of the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets this season, the Golden State Warriors have been flying under the radar, and many are forgetting how dominant they’ve also been. Their 18-6 win-loss slate may only be good for third best so far, but their margins of victory have been very high, thanks to their huge third quarters during games.
Proof of this is that the Warriors are the only team in the league to outscore their opponents by at least 20 points in four third quarters this season, according to ESPN. It only goes to show how they step up their games when the second half starts, setting the tempo and winning most games they play.
The @Warriors have outscored their opponents by 20+ points in four separate third quarters this season.
No other team has more than one such third quarter this season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 4, 2017
The Warriors' dominance during the said quarter also helps their starters receive additional rest, as they often do not play in the final period anymore, when they are already leading big. It allows them to save their energy for succeeding games, including back-to-back sets. Their second and third stringers also get the opportunity to see more court action, which helps them build their confidence as well.
If the Warriors continue playing at this pace, they will have a distinct advantage once the playoffs starts, as their stars will be fresher than their opponents. Although it is not an easy task to remain as dominant as they have been this year, it’s also difficult to imagine them not being able to do so, especially with the talent and chemistry they’ve built over the past couple of seasons.
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