The Golden State Warriors dynasty was supposed to be finished. The departure of sharpshooting guard Klay Thompson this offseason, who teamed with Stephen Curry to form the famed “Splash Brothers” and propel the Warriors to four NBA titles, appeared to signal the end of an era. However, the Warriors have come out of the gates in the 2024-25 season looking every bit a championship contender, even without Thompson in the fold.
Golden State has raced to an 8-2 start, sitting atop the Western Conference standings. The team is playing the same style of basketball that defined their dynasty years – prolific three-point shooting, suffocating defense, and unselfish ball movement. It’s a testament to the culture and system built by head coach Steve Kerr and the leadership of veterans like Curry and Draymond Green.
Still Splashing Triples at a Torrid Pace
The Warriors rank second in the NBA in offensive rating, scoring a blistering 120.1 points per 100 possessions. A deeper dive into the numbers reveals that Golden State’s offensive potency is fueled by their proficiency and volume from beyond the arc. The Warriors are 8th in three-point attempt rate and 7th in true shooting percentage, a measure of scoring efficiency that accounts for threes and free throws.
Golden State is knocking down triples at a clip reminiscent of their championship seasons. The Warriors have six players draining at least 1.4 threes per game at a 37.9% clip or better, paced by offseason addition Buddy Hield (4.0 3PG, 48.8 3P%) and superstar Stephen Curry (3.9 3PG, 43.5 3P%). The supporting cast of Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and even Green are all proving to be reliable long-range threats.
While some slight regression in the scorching shooting percentages is likely, this group has the proven track records and shot-making pedigree to maintain an elite level throughout the season, especially in Kerr’s offense predicated on ball movement and generating open looks.
Hield Filling Thompson’s Shoes Admirably
Hield, a career 39.8% three-point marksman, is flourishing in the starting shooting guard role vacated by Thompson. Since 2018-19, Hield has averaged 3.4 threes per game, nearly identical to the 3.3 per game Thompson hit during the Warriors’ championship seasons.
Playing alongside Curry, the greatest floor-spacer in league history, is affording Hield cleaner looks than he’s ever had. The early returns are promising, with Hield on pace for a career season from deep. While he may not be the defender Thompson was, Hield’s ability to stretch the floor and quickly fire from anywhere is the perfect complement to Curry in the backcourt.
Still Elite Defensively
For all the focus on their high-octane offense, it’s the Warriors’ stifling defense that has truly keyed their hot start. Golden State ranks 4th in defensive rating, allowing a meager 108.3 points per 100 possessions.
Just like during their title runs, the Warriors boast a roster replete with versatile, switchable defenders. Green remains the linchpin as a roving, basketball savant who can guard all five positions. Perimeter stoppers like Andrew Wiggins, De’Anthony Melton, and rookie Brandin Podziemski supply the length, athleticism, and toughness that have become hallmarks of Golden State’s defense under Kerr.
Bench Depth and Load Management
Kerr is renowned for his deft ability to manage egos and keep his entire roster engaged. This season is no different, with Kerr employing a 12-man rotation that ensures everyone gets run and no one is overtaxed. A whopping 13 Warriors are averaging between 12 and 28 minutes per game.
This depth should help keep the team fresh and mitigate injury risk over the grueling 82-game campaign, which is especially crucial with cornerstones Curry and Green now in their mid-30s. The ability for Kerr to steal rest for his veterans without sacrificing competitiveness, as evidenced by three wins in games Curry sat out, could prove pivotal down the stretch and into the postseason.
Value Betting the Warriors?
Oddsmakers are starting to believe in the revamped Warriors, but there is still value to be found for bettors:
- Buddy Hield has the second-shortest odds for Sixth Man of the Year at +550
- Draymond Green is a dark horse for Defensive Player of the Year at +3000
- Steve Kerr has the third-shortest NBA Coach of the Year odds at +750
- The Warriors are -130 to surpass their preseason over/under of 50.5 wins
- Golden State is +185 to capture the Pacific Division crown
Of course, it’s still early days in the marathon NBA season. Thompson makes his much-anticipated return to the Bay Area this week as a member of the reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks, a major litmus test for these new-look Warriors. The Dubs also have two dates remaining with the West-leading Thunder and a Christmas Day showdown with the rival Clippers.
However, all signs point to Golden State being well-equipped for the battles to come. The faces may have changed a bit, but the Warriors’ timeless style endures. With Curry still a supernova, Green anchoring the defense, a cast of hungry role players making key contributions, and Kerr pushing all the right buttons, the Warriors look poised to make another deep playoff run and hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy yet again.
