Golden State is putting up offensive numbers the likes of which the league has rarely – if ever – experienced before.
For the week of Monday, Nov. 28 – Sunday, Dec. 4
Record: 4-0
Who’s hotter than the Warriors? If we’re limited to the realm of NBA basketball – and perhaps even if we aren’t – the answer is, quite simply, no one at all.
Consider this: Over the course of their current 11-game win streak, Golden State is putting up offensive numbers the likes of which the league has rarely – if ever – experienced before. The Dubs have scored at least 110 points in nine of the 11 games, and had 10 in a row with 30-plus assists before that streak finally came to an end in the Warriors’ win over Minnesota on Saturday. Since their most recent loss to the Lakers on November 4th, Golden State has averaged 121.6 points per game while outscoring opponents by a margin of 19.1 points per contest.
This stretch has launched Golden State to the very top of the league standings and the offensive rating leaderboard, where they’re averaging nearly four whole points per 100 possessions (115.4) more than the next closest team (111.5). In fact, it’s not just the top offense in the league this season; the Warriors are on pace to post by far the best offensive rating in NBA history since the league began recording turnovers in 1973-74 – the 2009-10 Phoenix Suns averaged 112.7 points per 100 possessions for the best offensive rating in NBA history to date. No team since ’73-’74 has scored at least 10 percent better than the league average over a full season, but through the first 17 games of this season, the Dubs are scoring 11.1 percent better than the average NBA team.
To date, the Warriors are averaging a staggering 118.4 points per game – something no team has done over an entire season since Golden State averaged 118.7 per game in ’91-’92 – and are on pace to become the first team since the ’84-’85 Showtime Lakers to average at least 31 assists per game. The comprehensive offensive output is enough to intimidate any opponent, but their superiority has not been restricted to offense alone. Since that loss to the Lakers, the Warriors have posted the seventh-best defensive rating in the league, allowing only 100.4 points per 100 possessions. Given the way they’re dominating on both ends of the floor, perhaps it’s no surprise they haven’t had to experience the bitter taste of defeat in more than three weeks.
Standout Spotlight: Kevin Durant
Speaking of historic offensive performances, Kevin Durant is on a whole ‘nother level so far this season. With averages of 24.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.0 steals in 32.3 minutes in the Warriors’ four wins over the Pacers, Lakers (twice) and Timberwolves last week, Durant was named the Western Conference Player of the Week earlier today. In Golden State’s win over Minnesota on Saturday night, Durant became the first player in franchise history with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game. It was the continuation of what has been a fantastic and historic start to the season for the former MVP, and his shockingly potent efficiency is what truly separates him from the pack. Through the season to date, he is one of only two players in NBA history to average 25.0 points per game while shooting at least 55.0 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, with LeBron James being the other to accomplish the feat. He’s having quite possibly the most efficient offensive season in league history, and with another six blocks on Saturday – upping his team-leading total to 27 on the year – could very well be having the best individual defensive season of his decorated career. There is obviously still a long way to go, but the Warriors and their fans have to be extremely excited by Durant’s tremendous production in the early going.
The Week Ahead:
As hot as the Warriors are right now, the week ahead could certainly put them to the test on both ends of the floor. First, the Dubs open up the week with a matchup against the visiting Hawks tonight before the Rockets make their first appearance at Oracle Arena this season to face the Warriors on Wednesday. Atlanta has posted the league’s best defensive rating on the season to date, while Houston ranks in the top-four in the NBA in offensive rating and team field goal percentage, as well as average points and three-pointers made per game. That’s one of the best defensive and one of the best offensive teams in the league in back-to-back games before the Dubs round out the week with their third matchup of the young season with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. The Warriors will close out their current five-game homestand next Monday before playing five straight on the road, so the week ahead presents a tremendous opportunity for Golden State to take advantage of some home cooking before venturing out to less friendly waters.