Basketball is an incredibly fast-paced sport which requires highly energetic and skilled players in order to be successful. The NBA demonstrates some of the most athletic individuals who compete as part of professional basketball teams.
The NBA has become one of the biggest sports leagues in the world. The Golden State Warriors are currently the defending champions after winning their third championship last year. They have also won three championships in the previous four years.
There are many things that can affect a team’s success within the NBA. These include coaching, player interaction, effective use of strategy, and any influence that the opposing team can have.
This is a look into the Golden State Warriors, including how they got to where they are today. Check out NBA lines for the latest predictions.
Origins
The Warriors were actually first known as the Philadelphia Warriors. Before the formation of the NBA, the Warriors were some of the first members of the Basketball Association Of America in 1946. The team won their first two championships after securing defeat.
In 1962, the Warriors were relocated to San Francisco, where they changed their name to the San Francisco Warriors. The team were known under this name for a decade, before changing to the Golden State Warriors before the 1971-72 season.
Unfortunately, there was a great amount of struggles which were seen in the next few decades for the franchise. These were a result of certain players leaving the team, poor coaching, and lack of strategy. However, the Warriors are getting back on their feet and are the ones to look out for in the coming NBA season.
Home Venue
The Warriors have had a total of nine different arenas which they trained and practiced in. Their home games took place in the Philadelphia Arena between 1946 and 1952. This was an auditorium in west Philadelphia which served them well at the time.
In 1952-1962, the Warriors were based in the Philadelphia Convention Hall, before moving to Cow Palace in 1962. The team’s home games took place here, as well as the War Memorial Gymnasium, for several years.
Another venue where the Warriors played between 1964 and 1966 is the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. Other arenas where the team were based include Oakland Coliseum Arena, San Diego Sports Arena, San Jose Arena, and the Chase Center where the franchise is currently located.
Rivalries
One of the most well-known rivals of the Warriors is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two teams have competed against each other since 1970, when the Cavaliers joined the NBA. However, the 2014-2015 season brought this rivalry into the light.
This is because they faced each other in the first of four consecutive NBA finals. The Warriors have actually won more NBA finals than the Cavaliers, and it could be worth looking out for these tense playoffs.
Records
Some of the Warriors records are illustrative of their rivalry against the Cavaliers. During the 2016-17 and 2017-18 NBA seasons, the Warriors defeated their rivals and led the Pacific division.
Other records include specific awards which players have achieved, like the most improved player of the year, the NBA sportsmanship award, and the community assist award.
Members of the Warriors franchise in the past and present have demonstrated a great capacity for athletic achievement. Not only that, but many have been rewarded for their efforts as well-rounded individuals who can think on their feet when necessary.
Key Players
Wilt Chamberlain was a huge part of the Warriors’ origins. He was drafted in 1959 and broke so many NBA records that the period between 1959 and 1965 became known as the “Wilt Chamberlain era”.
He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1965 in exchange for three players as well as $15,000. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the best move for the Warriors, as they definitely missed out on a huge amount of success from Chamberlain.
Rick Barry also played a large role in the Warriors’ achievements throughout history. He was rookie of the year in 1965, and the team struggled in his absence. Barry rejoined in 1972, and the Warriors went on to make playoffs consistently for several years. He was eventually named finals MVP.
Other players who have contributed to the Warriors’ success include Stephen Curry, who was named MVP twice and won three NBA championships. He was also given the NBA sportsmanship award in 2011, as well as the community assist award in 2014.
Kevin Durant was also a huge contributor to the Warriors’ success in recent years. The current Brooklyn Nets player was selected for the All-NBA first team, and NBA second team in 2017 and 2019 as a member of the Warriors.
Summary
The Golden State Warriors are some of the most successful members of the Pacific Conference within the NBA. In spite of several periods of bad luck and misdirection, the franchise are getting back on their feet and are not letting anything stop them from climbing the leaderboard once again.
The team are some of the oldest franchises in history, and have had many excellent players with a range of athletic ability. It isn’t hard to see why the Warriors are the ones to watch in the coming NBA season.