John Luke Fabian
Jfabian1@uwyo.edu
Twitter: @HouseFabian
This past week wrapped up the first quarter of the NBA season for most teams. People, we could call the season today, and I think everyone would be okay with it.
The defending champs, Golden State Warriors, continue to lay waste to the NBA as they improve the greatest start to a season. They improved their record to 22-0 with a total domination of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
This is the best team I have ever seen before in my life. I was not around when the Bulls were lighting the world on fire winning six championships with the great Michael Jordan. I can only imagine this is what is like, to know that they were going to win it all no matter what.
This is something that needs to be watched, we are never going to see something like this again. Teams will try to imitate it, but will never come close to what the Warriors have. Golden State has the perfect players for the perfect system to fit the game today.
The Warriors were able to perfect the space-and-pace system that was started with Mike D’antoni while he was with the Suns. The system would spread the floor with good shooters at every position and would have constant movement with the ball until the best shot was given. The problem with the Suns was they did not have a strong enough defense to win championships.
Greg Popovich created his own version of it with the Spurs, and found great success with it. Pop was able to back up this offense with the defense that is needed to play it. It helps having defensive greats like Kawhi Leonard and Tim Duncan, even if he is 900 years old.
Then came the Warriors, who had the final ingredient to make it all come together: Steph Curry. The Warriors have the players to execute on defense, move the ball and knock down shots where needed. Curry is able to bring it to a whole other level.
At the quarter mark of the season, the one thing I am certain is that Curry is going to win the MVP award for a second straight year and it isn’t even close. He is leading the league in scoring and in made three-pointers made by 50! He has the best handle in the game and can create a shot anywhere on the court. Curry has also, I cannot believe I’m writing this, passed LeBron for the best player on Earth.
It is hard to find a team that can beat Golden State any time soon. I mean there is a chance it could happen on Saturday when they are in Milwaukee on a back-to-back, but I don’t see that happening. I believe the best shot at this team losing will come on Christmas day when they play King James and the Cavaliers. LeBron will come into the game with a chip on his shoulder from all of the Steph is the best talk. It would be an incredible “I’m still here,” moment for James.
Then again, the Warriors could come out and make the Cavs look like fools. 82-0 is still a possibility here people! This is why I am asking you to please watch the Warriors while you can, history is being played before our very eyes.
This is the closest we will ever come to a team truly figuring out how to play a sport, and it needs to be appreciated while there is still time.
You need to watch the Warriors, ASAP
