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OAKLAND, Calif. — In early October Klay Thompson jokingly alluded to the Warriors’ capability of scoring 150 points in at least a couple of games this season. It is only November and the Warriors are already seeing their legendary offense come to fruition.
Golden State hasn’t scored 150 points in a non-overtime game since 1991 and no NBA team has accomplished the feat since the Phoenix Suns dropped 152 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010.
The Warriors have yet to break into the 150 point club. But when you factor in the eleven missed free throws that they missed last night against the Los Angeles Lakers, topping the 160 point mark is not out of the realm of possibility.
149 points is fine and dandy; however, the Lakers are a young, mediocre team in the second game of a back-to-back without their two best players. Head coach Steve Kerr wasn’t too worried about the aesthetics of the victory; instead, he commented on how his team performed given the circumstances.
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“We were just making the simple play, for the most part,” Kerr said after the Warrior’s 43 point victory. “The ball was moving and the guys were just playing and they are very comfortable playing together. It was fun to watch.”
The Warriors set a franchise record with 47 assists. Kerr mentioned that the assist total is an “incredible number” that “surpasses the standard.” Coach Kerr has taken the most exception to the Warriors continued focus on protecting the ball.
“Keeping the turnovers down, to me, has been one of the keys to this recent stretch,” said Kerr. “It correlates directly with our defense improving. We’re not giving as many runouts and fastbreak opportunities.”
Golden State averaged 16 turnovers through their first nine games of the season and have since cut that number down to just 12 giveaways per game over their last six contests.
The Golden State Warriors are a continuing work in progress. In the ebb and flow of the NBA there will be nights where shots fall and gaudy numbers are posted. But it is important to remember the chain reaction that opens up these flood gates.
Protecting the ball safeguards against having to play transition defense. Playing efficient half court defense (which will be needed come playoff time) thus leads to advantageous opportunities on offense.