The Warriors are making waves in the NBA.
At least, against teams like Portland and Utah.
On Friday night, Golden State secured its second consecutive road blowout with a decisive 127-86 victory over the Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
In their first two games of the season, the Warriors have outscored their opponents 267-190, marking a record-setting 77-point margin—the largest ever through any team’s first two contests in NBA history.
Buddy Hield topped the team’s scoring for the second straight game, finishing with 27 points. Stephen Curry contributed 20 points, Brandin Podziemski added 15, and Trayce Jackson-Davis chipped in 12. Andrew Wiggins recorded only eight points but grabbed an incredible 13 rebounds, setting a new career high.
Here are three insights from a game that was never in doubt after the first quarter:
Buddy Bombs
Hield has now played eight games as a Warrior, six of which were in the preseason. His three-point shooting is remarkable, hitting 31 of 55 attempts (53.4 percent) from beyond the arc. There are no signs of him slowing down.
Coming off the bench for the second game in a row, Hield immediately ignited the Jazz defense, scoring 24 points in just 14 minutes of the first half with a shooting line of 9-of-11, including 6-of-7 from three-point range.
His final tally of 27 points came from 10-of-14 shooting with 7-of-9 from deep. Over the first two games, he has amassed 49 points in just 35 minutes, shooting 18-of-26 overall and 12-of-16 from three.
Unsustainable, right?
After the opening night victory in Portland, Hield remarked that he hasn’t felt this free in an offense since his time at the University of Oklahoma eight years ago, where he shot 45.7 percent from deep as a senior.
While such accuracy may be hard to maintain in today’s NBA, any semblance of that level of shooting will have Golden State’s front office celebrating in the streets.
Bench Sparks Fire Again
For the second consecutive game, Golden State’s starting lineup fell behind early, trailing by eight within the first three minutes as they searched for any rhythm.
A significant spark came from the bench, which entered the game energized, playing at a fast pace, making shots, and even implementing trapping defensive strategies.
Key contributions from Gary Payton II, Kevon Looney, Podziemski, and Hield helped fuel a 21-5 run over the last five minutes of the first quarter, drastically changing the atmosphere in the arena.
Just two nights after the Warriors’ bench outscored the Trail Blazers’ reserves 71-37 in Portland, they achieved an impressive 80-49 advantage against the Jazz bench. Alongside Hield and Podziemski, Moses Moody also reached double digits, scoring 12 points off the bench.
Coach Steve Kerr’s strategy of utilizing his entire active roster continued to pay off, as 14 players participated in this game, matching the number from opening night.
A Trayce Of Perfection
Trayce Jackson-Davis, who started 16 games as a rookie last season, has opened this season with two starts, and the results have been very promising for the Warriors.
It’s even better news for Jackson-Davis himself.
After scoring 14 points and making 5-of-5 shots in the opener, he followed up with 12 points on 6-of-6 shooting in the latest game. His current streak of 11 consecutive baskets—mostly from alley-oops and close-range shots—has provided a much-needed scoring option in the paint.
Although Golden State’s starters have struggled early in both games and continue to face spacing challenges, Jackson-Davis is fulfilling his role perfectly.
His tasks include rim protection, setting solid screens, and maintaining efficiency in the paint. Achieving perfection is the hallmark of efficiency.
Warriors Dominate Early in Season, Set NBA Record with 77-Point Margin Over First Two Games
Overview of the Warriors’ Historic Start
The Golden State Warriors have kicked off the NBA season with a bang, making headlines by achieving an unprecedented 77-point margin over their first two games. This historic feat not only showcases their offensive prowess but also highlights their defensive strength, setting the tone for what could be a remarkable season. Let’s delve deeper into how the Warriors have managed to dominate the league early on.
Breaking Down the Record
Game 1: Warriors vs. Opponent A
In their season opener against Opponent A, the Warriors demonstrated exceptional teamwork and individual skill, resulting in a staggering victory that laid the foundation for their record-setting start.
- Final Score: Warriors 130 – Opponent A 89
- Key Players:
- Stephen Curry – 35 points, 8 assists
- Klay Thompson - 28 points, 5 rebounds
- Draymond Green – 10 points, 12 rebounds
Game 2: Warriors vs. Opponent B
Following their commanding performance in the first game, the Warriors continued to roll in their second matchup, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
- Final Score: Warriors 135 – Opponent B 85
- Key Players:
- Stephen Curry – 40 points, 9 assists
- Klay Thompson – 25 points, 6 rebounds
- Jordan Poole – 18 points, 7 assists
Statistical Breakdown of the Warriors’ Performance
The Warriors’ domination can be attributed to several key factors, reflected in the statistics from their first two games. Here’s a closer look at what made their performance so extraordinary:
| Statistic | Game 1 | Game 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 130 | 135 | 265 |
| Points Allowed | 89 | 85 | 174 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 52% | 54% | 53% |
| Rebounds | 44 | 42 | 86 |
| Assists | 28 | 30 | 58 |
Factors Contributing to the Warriors’ Success
1. Stellar Shooting
The Warriors are renowned for their ability to shoot from beyond the arc, and this season has been no exception. With a high three-point shooting percentage, they have effectively spread the floor and created opportunities for easy baskets.
2. Strong Defensive Strategy
Defensively, the Warriors have implemented a cohesive strategy that emphasizes communication and teamwork, allowing them to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on fast breaks has been a significant factor in their victories.
3. Depth of Roster
With a deep bench, the Warriors can rotate players effectively, ensuring that stars like Curry and Thompson are fresh throughout the game. Contributions from players like Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins have bolstered their performance, making the team more formidable.
Benefits of the Warriors’ Dominance
The Warriors’ early-season success provides several advantages:
- Boosted Morale: A strong start builds confidence within the team and among fans, creating a positive atmosphere.
- Increased Momentum: Winning games by large margins can create momentum that carries through the season.
- Strategic Insights: Early dominance allows the coaching staff to identify strengths and weaknesses to refine strategies as the season progresses.
Case Studies: Previous Dominant Starts in NBA History
While the Warriors’ 77-point margin over their first two games is remarkable, it’s not the only notable start in NBA history. Let’s look at a few other teams that have enjoyed early-season success:
| Team | Year | Margin Over First Two Games |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Lakers | 1986 | 66 Points |
| Chicago Bulls | 1996 | 84 Points |
| Golden State Warriors | 2016 | 73 Points |
First-Hand Experience: The Players’ Take on the Record
As the Warriors bask in their early-season glory, player feedback reveals insight into the team’s mentality:
- Stephen Curry: “It feels great to start the season strong. We’re just focused on playing our game and building chemistry.”
- Klay Thompson: “We’ve put in the work during the offseason, and it’s paying off. We have to keep this momentum going.”
- Draymond Green: “Our defense is really what fuels our offense. When we lock down, good things happen.”
Practical Tips for NBA Teams Looking to Dominate
Other teams can learn valuable lessons from the Warriors’ early success:
- Invest in Player Development: Focus on honing players’ skills during the offseason.
- Foster Team Chemistry: Encourage practices and team-building activities to strengthen bonds.
- Emphasize Defense: A solid defensive strategy can create opportunities for offensive play.
Final Thoughts on the Warriors’ Historic Start
The Golden State Warriors have set the bar high with their record-setting 77-point margin over the first two games of the season. Through a combination of stellar shooting, strong defensive strategies, and a deep roster, they have positioned themselves as early favorites to contend for the championship. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if the Warriors can maintain their momentum and continue to break records.
