Its February 25th, and the Golden State Warriors are 51-5. Yes, you read that correctly. 51-5. In the midst of a title defense, the Warriors aren't just chasing another championship, but also chasing history. History in the form of trying to become the greatest team of all time. The Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls currently hold the record at 72-10, thats the greatest season ever, and by default, the greatest team ever. So, can the Warriors surpass the record, and better yet, even if they do will they be considered the greatest ever?
The NBA has changed, gone are the "bad boy" attitudes of the 90s. The game just isn't played how it used to be played, weak fouls and complaining about those very calls have taken the place of hard nosed basketball. However, does this change in the league make what the Steph Curry led Warriors are doing any less impressive?
Curry is only 10 three pointers away from beating his own record for shots made in a year, with 276. It's only February, he is going to shatter the record. He is having the greatest shooting year in NBA history, and his team is well on their way to becoming the best team ever. According to Bovada, the Warriors have a 37% chance to surpass the Bulls record that has stood since 1995. Those are pretty high odds in the sports world.
To me, the more important question isn't if they will beat it, but rather when they do, will the public consider them the best ever? Will Curry forever be in the same conversation as Jordan?
News networks across the country are finally starting to realize that it isn't just Steph Curry that is making these Warriors cruise to the record. This is the best example of pure team basketball i have ever seen in my life. From Draymond Green and his exceptional pick and pop ability, to Klay Thompson's sharp shooting skills, to Harrison Barnes timely shot making, this team is loaded in all the right ways. They aren't stocked to the brim in superstars, they didn't acquire their talent through free agency, they have built through the draft, and now are reaping the rewards of fantastic scouting.
Many reporters cite the talent and competition in the league today, as far less than when the 95 Bulls set the record. Saying Curry and the Warriors have a cake walk to the record, and another championship. Even if that were completely true, (I don't think it is, the league is as young and talented as ever in my opinion) who really cares? As much as i don't want to admit it, if these Warriors finish say, 75-7, or 74-8, they are the best team ever. It shouldn't be a discussion, however, just because they have the record doesn't mean Curry's name should ever even be whispered in the same sentence as Michael Jordan. Steph his a phenomenal offensive player, on the best example of team basketball ever. Michael Jordan is the GOAT, bottom line.
I won't be particularly perturbed if the Warriors break the record, but i will be if ESPN and other major outlets start throwing Curry's name around with Jordan.
It will be something to monitor down the stretch, will the Warriors achieve the pinnacle of greatness in the NBA?
Another aspect to pay attention to is the fact that the Warriors can clinch a playoff spot this week, so, will Head Coach Steve Kerr decide to rest his key contributors in hopes of keeping them fresh for a deep playoff run, while giving up on trying to catch the 95 Bulls?
There are many angles to this very popular sports story, say the Warriors do break the record, but then go on to lose the championship, what will that do to their legacy?
Steph Curry and company still have a long road to go, but they are in a good position as of now.
It should be a season to remember regardless of the outcome, stay tuned NBA universe, this story hasn't been finalized just yet.
The ball is in your court Steph.
