The Golden State Warriors have arguably the most dynamic offensive weapon in NBA history in Stephen Curry. But surprisingly, it's on the defensive side of the ball where the team has built most of its success.
The Warriors are now ranked number one in the entire NBA in defensive rating, overtaking the Miami Heat and their bevy of stalwart defenders. Not only are they leading the league through this young season, they're also currently on pace to be the best defense the NBA has ever seen in nearly two decades, as per StatMuse.
The Warriors have overtaken the Heat as the best defensive team this season.
Their 97.8 defensive rating is the lowest since the 2003-04 Pistons.
They are 6-1, tied for the best record in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/ZCBRRWdMMl
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 4, 2021
With Draymond Green getting up there in age and their best wing defender in Klay Thompson still on the sidelines, the Warriors have managed to stifle opposing scoring with disciplined team defense.
Article Continues BelowCredit coach Steve Kerr for putting a premium on stopping opponents on the other end. Even during the dynastic run the Warriors had in the mid-2010s, their defense was just as much a juggernaut as their offense was with Kevin Durant flanking Stephen Curry.
Some of this might be due to the fact that the new Wilson ball the NBA is debuting this season has allegedly led to league-wide shooting slumps. But that doesn't take away from the fact that, relative to their peers, Golden State has been the very best.