Warriors' Depth Would Overwhelm The 1993-94 Rockets
OAKLAND, Calif. (CBS-SF) – Golden State has equaled the NBA record of the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets for the longest win streak to open a season, but it would be an interesting match-up to see who would prevail in a showdown between the Rockets inside power and the Warriors outside shooting and up-tempo attack.
Here's a look at the matchup.
Point Guard: Stephen Curry vs. Kenny Smith
Curry, the reigning NBA MVP, is averaging 32.7 points a game and his rebounds (5.2 a game) and assists (5.7 a game) power the Warriors potent offense. There may never have been a better 3-point shooter in NBA history than Curry. Smith did not venture inside much, averaging just 1.9 rebounds a game and scored just 10.4 points a contest.
Advantage – Curry
Shooting Guard: Vernon Maxwell vs. Klay Thompson
Maxwell was a tenacious defender, but at 6-4 may have been a bit undersized to keep the 6-7 Thompson in check. Like Maxwell, Thompson also is a tenacious off-the-ball defender. His size and wing span make it difficult to shoot over.
On the offensive end, Thompson is off to a slow start after an All-Star season in 2014-2015, scoring 16.6 points a game and shooting 40 percent from the 3-point line. But in the Warriors free flowing system he would likely be able to scrap Maxwell off on a screen and get his shot.
Advantage – Thompson
Small Forward: Robert Horry vs. Harrison Barnes
Horry made a career out of hitting big shots in key games, but simply did not have the foot speed to hang with Barnes. However, Horry's 6-10 height would definitely be a factor as he would be able to shoot over the smaller Barnes. Both players hit big shots at key times during the game. It's the Warriors up tempo offense and the presence of Curry and Thompson on the court that tip the scales in Barnes favor.
Slight Advantage – Barnes
Power Forward: Otis Thorpe vs. Draymond Green
Green ignites Golden State scoring runs by pulling down a rebound and leading the fast break quickly up court. Thorpe's size and strength also would not bother him since when the Warriors go to their small lineup, he plays center. Green's foot speed and outside range – he is hitting on 43.9 percent from three-point range -- give him a distinct advantage.
Advantage – Green
Center: Hakeem Olajuwan vs. Andrew Bogut/Festus Ezeli
Olajuwan gets the nod here easily. He dominated the middle during the 1993-1994 season, winning the league's Most Valuable Player award and being named the NBA's top defender. He also had the athletic ability and defensive prowess to likely stay on the court when the Warriors would go to their potent small lineup. Combined Bogut and Ezeli are averaging 15 points and 12.8 rebounds a game and only Ezeli has the athletic ability to try and stop Olajuwan's offensive arsenal.
Advantage – Olajuwan
The Bench:
It is the second unit that truly has powered the Warriors' win streak and gives them an overwhelming advantage against Houston. Golden State has one of the deepest benches in the NBA. Leandro Barbosa, Iguodala, Ezeli, Shaun Livingstone, James Michael McAdoo, Marreese Speights, Ian Clark and Jason Thompson all present tough matchups for the Rockets reserve.
That unit included Matt Bullard, Carl Herrera, Mario Elie, Sam Cassell, Scott Brooks, Earl Curteton and Chris Jent.
Advantage – Warriors
