The prevailing Golden State Warriors story—despite 12 wins in 14 games and a starting lineup filled to the brim with All-Stars—has been about defense.
And for good reason, too. Head coach Steve Kerr’s group is giving up 105.6 points per 100 possessions thus far, a defensive rating roughly five points worse than last season’s 100.9. The Warriors have grabbed only 73.2 percent of available defensive rebounds, which ranks last in the NBA.
On shots within five feet of the rim, the Warriors are allowing opponents to shoot 60.