It’s one thing to observe the talent, effort and refusal to lose of the Golden State Warriors this season. But what’s more mind-boggling than “18-0”, are the stats behind the streak, and behind the molten-hot start of reigning MVP Stephen Curry. Keep these numbers in mind when following the Warriors’ unprecedented path:
Golden State leads the NBA in the following statistical categories:
Points Per Game (114.3)
Field Goal Percentage (.487)
Assists Per Game (29.6)
Threes Per Game (12.4)
Point Differential (+15.6)
Fast Break Points (22.6)
Assist-to-Turnover Ratio (1.88, 473 assists: 251 turnovers)
Offensive Rating (112.1)
Net Rating (16.3).
Now let’s focus in on Steph. To give you a sense of how the game has changed, or how the Warriors have changed the game, take in this stat from basketballinsiders.com: Larry Bird led the NBA in made three-pointers in 1986-87 with 90. Steph Curry already has 90 made threes in the first 18 games.
Two games ago, Curry passed LeBron James for 35th in all-time made three-pointers. According to ESPN, Curry started the season 50th on the list, jumping 15 spots in just 17 games.
Friday night also marked Curry’s fifth 40-point effort of the young season. According to Elias, Curry joins Wilt Chamberlain (three times), Rick Barry (66-67), George Gervin (82-83), Michael Jordan (86-87) and James Harden this season as the only players to ever hit the 40-point marker five times in the season’s first 17 games.
Who knows if its the Warriors’ streak feeding these stats (even after they lose a game they could still keep such golden numbers), or the stats feeding the streak. Just be sure to keep a calculator nearby the next time you tune in to watch Golden State.
