The Warriors' Bench Runs Deep
This season, the Golden State Warriors bench is coming in hot and taking care of business. After last season fell short of expectations, the Warriors focused on doing whatever they could to ensure the team came back stronger, not just fighting for a playoff spot but as NBA Finals contenders. Over the offseason, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. was busy making moves, bringing in key players who could elevate the team and remind the league that the dynasty is anything but over. One of the cornerstones of that legacy has always been bench strength, and through the first 12 games of the season, the depth of this team is reminiscent of the 2015-16 era, when "Strength in Numbers" truly meant something.
"This is as deep of a team as I've ever coached, and we've got to lean into that," Steve Kerr said. After the departure of Klay Thompson in free agency, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green are the only players remaining from the core three that helped build the Warriors’ winning culture. To fill the void left by Thompson, the Warriors brought in new faces such as Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. These experienced veterans, along with the continued development of their young drafted stars, are breathing new life into a team that desperately needed it after the Warriors missed the playoffs last season.
The Golden State Warriors are potentially on track to make history once again. With their second unit averaging 58.8 points per game, they’re currently outpacing the 2018-2019 Los Angeles Clippers, who hold the record for the most points per game by a bench in NBA history at 53.2. Keep in mind that it’s only been 12 games, and there are still a lot of games left to play this season, but that’s one heck of a start the second unit will need to maintain. This production has allowed Curry to clock out early and get his rest, which fans last season know too well is a privilege. Curry even missed three games due to an ankle sprain, but the Warriors still managed to get the job done. "It's the identity of this team right now," Curry said. "We're going to rely on our depth."
The depth of this team includes several key contributors. Buddy Hield, affectionately dubbed "Splash Buddy," lights up the floor every time he enters, quickly becoming an early favorite for Sixth Man of the Year. Hield is averaging 17.7 points, shooting 49.4% from the field and 46.9% from beyond the arc. Since moving to the bench, Jonathan Kuminga has also delivered for the second unit, making it a two-headed monster that opponents have to deal with, even when the Baby-Faced Assassin is off the court.
The Warriors' homegrown big man, Kevon Looney, has been solid in his role as well, averaging 5.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in just 15.7 minutes per game. Role player Gary Payton II has had his minutes reduced due to the depth of this team, despite him playing well, which is further proof of how talented this roster is. When he’s on the court, Payton is shooting an impressive 69.4% from the field. Offseason additions like Kyle Anderson and De'Anthony Melton have also settled into their roles on the team. Melton is set to miss more time due to an ACL injury, but in the six games he’s been healthy, he has proven he fits in well, averaging 10.3 points, 2.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and shooting 40.7% from the field. His absence will open up more minutes for young stars like Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Lindy Waters III.
The Warriors have had a strong start to the season, and much of that success can be credited to the team's depth and the chemistry among its playmakers. With a 10-2 record, they’re in good company, marking the sixth time the Warriors have started with that record in the Stephen Curry era. The other five times all led to NBA Finals appearances, with three resulting in championships, and while it’s too early to say this team is guaranteed to make it to the Finals, the depth they’ve shown is a critical component of any Finals contender. The way they’re playing together night in and night out makes it clear that this is a team the league can’t write off too early and needs to keep an eye on.
