No one thought the Golden State Warriors would even sniff the playoffs if preseason predictions were to be believed.
Stephen Curry, a long-time beneficiary of Steve Kerr’s motion-centric offense, doesn’t have a single costar he can rely on in late games. While Buddy Hield is a reliable shooter, he isn’t the type of player you want to replace a long-time favorite like Klay Thompson.
However, the past two games were pleasant surprises for many Dubs fans. While it’s true that neither the Portland Trail Blazers nor Utah Jazz are postseason-bound teams, it’s also hard to deny that the Warriors actually played good basketball.
Some Warriors fans may notice that the Warriors changed their approach for this season with a clear focus on defense. One analyst confirms this, saying their approach on defense in the season’s early stages is promising.
Kevon Looney talks about the Golden State Warriors’ defensive changes
The most noticeable thing about the Warriors’ first two games is how big of a gap the Dubs have over their opponents.
The Warriors did shoot well throughout the game, but the thing that stood out was the defense’s ability to stop their opponents from executing their offensive schemes.
Kevon Looney talked about the defensive approach they’re taking recently to steer them to a terrific 2-0 start.
Per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson
“Something that Steve [Kerr], our coaches, Jerry Stackhouse have been challenging us on that has to be our calling card,” Kevon Looney told NBC Sports Bay Area. “We have to be physical, we have to be fast, we have to be scrappy. I think the first two games we have embodied that. They hold us accountable with everything.
“I think our communication has been at an elite level to start the season. We have to carry that over. You got a lot of interchangeable guys, a lot of guys with size and length that’s really active.”
:Let’s not be mistaken: the Golden State Warriors are still an offense-focused team because of Steph Curry. However, it’s also noteworthy that the Warriors are still looking to become a hard squad to score on. If they maintain this type of defensive vigor the whole season, the playoffs are very possible.
