Golden State Warriors: Defense key to competing with title contenders

It seems like every other day that the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers make another addition to their already loaded rosters. They are, by bookies estimations, the two most likely teams to win the NBA championship — stacking the deck against the Golden State Warriors.

Their overwhelming talent makes them almost impossible for 90% of the league to even compete against. The Warriors present as one of the few teams that could pose a threat across the 2021-22 NBA season.

The Golden State Warriors’ ability to compete against the top-tier NBA teams comes down to their prowess on the defensive end.

The Warriors ranked fifth in NBA defensive rating last season, despite missing one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders in Klay Thompson. This is one of the most well-equipped teams to at least try and contain the Nets’ offensive firepower of Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and co.

The Nets had no interest in playing defense whatsoever last season. Although it was rarely an issue given their offensive arsenal, it may have come in handy in preventing Giannis Antetokounmpo from dropping 40 in the decisive game seven of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Despite the additions of big men LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap and Jahlil Okafor, along with the re-signing of Blake Griffin in free agency, the Nets still severely lack any kind of rim protection. Nicolas Claxton may be their best answer but he averaged less than 11 minutes of action during the playoffs, a number that’s unlikely to grow too much.

In James Wiseman, the Warriors at least have someone who could turn into an elite rim protector. With incredible size and athleticism, Wiseman can, theoretically, become a giant issue for opposition scorers at the rim. Wiseman’s development will be crucial not just on the defensive end, but also on the offensive end where he could punish the Nets’ lack of size.

As for the Lakers, let’s recall back to the first half of the play-in game for the seventh seed. Draymond Green put on a defensive masterclass against Anthony Davis and the entire Lakers offense, helping the Warriors restrict their more fancied opponents to just 42 points in the first half. As we know, defense leads to transition offense and the Dubs were cooking as they opened up a 13 point lead.

Although they lost that game, the first half should provide a blueprint on how the Warriors can compete with the best teams in the league. Kent Bazemore is the only player removed from the eight-man rotation that participated in that game, whilst the Dubs will regain Thompson and Wiseman, have added free-agent signings Andre Iguodala, Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica, as well as draftees Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. There’s no reason the Warriors can’t replicate and build upon that first half against the Lakers.

The Lakers did rank first in defensive rating last season, however, their roster has had a much-publicized overhaul across the off-season. Although their greater experience may prove of benefit in certain facets and situations, it’s difficult to envisage them repeating last season’s defensive numbers.

With the splash brothers hopefully back in full force, the Warriors should return to having a dangerously potent offense. However, this team has the capability of being the best defensive team in the league, a potential that will help them compete with the best teams in the league.