The Golden State Warriors haven’t always been the NBA‘s resident super team (they are no longer a super team but still relevant). In fact, for many years they were a league afterthought, a franchise that struggled to find relevance. But in the last decade, they’ve become synonymous with basketball excellence – a team that changed the way the game is played while capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.
Early Struggles and Wilt the Stilt
The Warriors began life in Philadelphia in 1946, quickly becoming a force thanks to a towering superstar named Wilt Chamberlain. “Wilt the Stilt” was an unstoppable force who scored points in volumes never seen before, including his legendary 100-point game in 1962. Despite Chamberlain’s dominance, the team relocated west to San Francisco in 1962, and then across the bay to Oakland to become the Golden State Warriors in 1971.
Though they experienced occasional success, the Oakland years brought more hardship than glory. Championship titles in 1975 felt like a distant memory as the Warriors suffered through lean decades in the 1980s and 90s.
Splash Brothers and a Basketball Revolution
The Warriors’ fortunes dramatically shifted with the drafting of Stephen Curry in 2009. Curry, an undersized guard with unlimited shooting range, wasn’t considered a typical superstar. But his handles were mesmerizing, and his jump shot was the purest the game had ever seen.
When the Warriors paired Curry with fellow sharpshooter Klay Thompson, they earned the nickname “Splash Brothers” for their ability to make it rain with three-pointers. Add versatile forward Draymond Green, a defensive force and brilliant passer, and the makings of a dynasty were in place.
The Warriors Run
Under coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors unleashed a style of play that prioritized ball movement, speed, and outside shooting – beautiful basketball that was breathtaking to watch. They won their first championship in 40 years in 2015, followed by a truly historic 73-win season in 2016. With the addition of superstar Kevin Durant in 2017, the Warriors won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
While the Durant era ended in 2019, the Warriors’ core remains, and their legacy is secure. They revolutionized the NBA, proving that even in a league of giants, skill and finesse could reign supreme.
Beyond the Court
The Warriors impact extends far beyond basketball. Their home arena, the Chase Center in San Francisco, is a state-of-the-art architectural masterpiece. And the team is actively involved in community programs, working to improve the lives of children and families in the Bay Area.
The Golden State Warriors are more than just a basketball team. They’re a symbol of innovation, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. Whether you love them or hate them, their place in basketball history is undeniable.