View from America
American Football Expert
How did the Golden State Warriors set a new regular NBA season record?
Last Updated: 14/04/16 9:49am
Our still-stunned US sportswriter, Alex Ferguson, gives you four things to think about from the Warriors' incredible season….
On Thursday night, NBA legend Kobe Bryant said goodbye to the sport by scoring 60 points, but the biggest heroes of the night were the Golden State Warriors, who reached a sporting pinnacle with a regular-season record 73 wins (from 82 games) with a victory over Memphis - beating the 1995/96 Chicago Bulls' 72-10 record.
But how where they able to do it?
Is this the greatest team ever?
By sheer wins, yes. The truth, however, is that we simply don't know. We're comparing sides from two different generations.
The 2015/16 Warriors team is no doubt more athletic, but the 95/96 Chicago Bulls had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman as well as a ton of talent elsewhere. But how do you deal with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala?
Remember this: Chicago Bulls won the 1996 NBA title, the Golden State Warriors - although they are favourites to lift the trophy - have not done so yet. If they do, then we can continue the conversation.
Who do we thank for all the victories?
In the second-to-last game at San Antonio, Curry dropped an unbelievable 37 points as the Warriors gave the Spurs their first home loss of the year. Curry is a brilliant three-point shooter (successful with 45.4 per cent of his attempts), assist-giver (6.7 per game), and ball-stealer (2.1 per game), and he's so, so much fun to watch.
And he scores a ton of points too (averaging 30.1 per game), and you can't overlook the impact of Thompson. You can also thank the fact that they didn't have the injuries that other teams have had, and the fact that they've got a great coach in Steve Kerr is also a benefiting factor.
Should Steph Curry win the MVP?
Curry has been outstanding throughout his team's run to the record. He's hit three-point shots from nearer the half-way line than the three-point arc, and he's certainly not selfish, either.
Is there anyone else in with a shout? Quite honestly, no, unless you want to yell for LeBron James.
How good is Steph Curry's supporting cast?
Very, very good. Thompson, the other half of the 'Splash Brothers', averages 22.1 points per game.
Draymond Green dominates both defensively and offensively (9.5 per game total). The talent is frightening and built for another title run.
Will Golden State win the title?
Golden State are favourites for the title, that's for certain. But will they? San Antonio, who finished second in the Western Conference with a 67-15 record, should battle them all the way in the semi-finals (or the Western Conference Finals, in US terms).
And if they get there, they are almost certain to face LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, favourites to emerge from the Eastern Conference and a team as dangerous as anybody.
There are no guarantees, but no one would argue with you if you put some cash on the Warriors to win it all.
