The Golden State Warriors are still trying to figure out their defense after their first three games. They have scored and allowed at least 100 points through their first three games of the season.
They got blown out 129-120 by the San Antonio Spurs in their season opener and couldn't find an answer to stop 2-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard who finished with 35 points. They got out-rebounded 55-35, 21 of which were offensive rebounds, and the Spurs bench demolished the Warriors bench 54-16.
In their game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had to play his starters for almost 40 minutes just to hold off the Pelicans, 122-114 ,who had 45 points from all-star Anthony Davis.
Their third game of the season featured the young roster of the Phoenix Suns which was supposed to be an easy opponent for the Warriors. However, TJ Warren, Eric Bledsoe, and veteran big man Tyson Chandler forced them to be at their best offensively and the outcome of the game weren't decided until the final seconds when Steph Curry and Kevin Durant made clutch free throws to make the final score 106-100.
When they acquired Durant in the offseason, there was no question that their offense was going to be more dangerous. But in the process of acquiring Durant, they had to give up Andrew Bogut, who went to the Dallas Mavericks with Harrison Barnes, to create some cap space. Bogut was the cog in the middle and the anchor of the defense during the Warriors championship run. Even though the Warriors played a lot of small ball with Andre Iguodala replacing Bogut, Bogut was their best rim protector.
With the departure of Bogut, the Warriors signed veteran big man Zaza Pachulia. At first look, it seems like Pachulia can never replace what Bogut did for the Warriors. However, Pachulia is an effective screener, can shoot from mid-range, contests shots, doesn't shy away from contact, and is an underrated passer.
Durant is a top five player, no doubt. He is one of the best players in the entire planet, hands down, but he is not known for his defense despite his length and motor. Curry plays good team defense but isn't a good one-on-one defender. The Warriors hid Curry behind their excellent rotation and help defense. Now, they have to do the same with Durant.
Prior to the start of the season, the GM's of NBA teams who they think will play in the NBA finals and almost all of them answered that the Warriors will face the reigning world champions Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Warriors want to have another shot at the Cavs and avenge the 3-1 lead that they blew, they have to improve on defense soon.
