5 Reasons Why Golden State Warriors’ Hot Start Is For Real

Last season, the Dubs became an elite defensive team under coach Mark Jackson and the addition of forward Andre Iguodala. With the former gone this season, much speculation arose about whether the Warriors could retain their elite defensive identity. So far they have been able to, as the Dubs rank first in the league in defensive efficiency through four games.

Say what you want about Lee, but the Warriors are undeniably a better team with him in the lineup. Last season, the Warriors were 11.8 points per 100 possessions better with Lee on the floor than when he sat. Lee currently is sidelined with a recurring hamstring injury and will provide a boost to the team when he returns.

Coach Steve Kerr has reinvented Bogut as the fulcrum of the Warriors' offense. Utilizing Bogut’s passing out from the paint has allowed Kerr to put four shooters beyond the arc while Bogut works inside. So far, this has been a deadly tactic; the Warriors have been 46 points better than their opponents while Bogut has been on the floor this season.

Last season, the Warriors’ bench was almost unwatchable. So far this season, the Shaun Livingston-led bench has thrived, ranking as a top 10 bench through four games. What is especially impressive is the bench’s shooting efficiency; through four games, the bench is shooting the lights out, tied for most efficient in the league with the Brooklyn Nets.

Thompson’s early-season breakout performance is both what everyone was waiting for and what everyone has been talking about. Long criticized as a three-point specialist who couldn’t do much else, Thompson has shown the ability to drive to the rack, be a playmaker and put the ball on the floor all while continuing to drain it from three.