The Golden State Warriors have finally tasted victory after a long-awaited win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road, ending their losing streak. The Warriors' success today can be attributed to two factors: Curry's exceptional shooting from beyond the arc and their outstanding defense. In the first quarter, the Warriors' defense was particularly impressive, holding the Timberwolves to just 12 points. This game was quite rare for the Warriors, as we seldom see them leading by a large margin in the first quarter; they are often the trailing team.
Their strong start in the first quarter gave them a cushion to absorb any subsequent scoring deficits, which might have otherwise led to another significant defeat. The Warriors' defensive transformation today is largely due to the return of a key defensive player, Payton Jr., who has been out with an injury for some time. Payton's return has had a significant impact on the Warriors' defense. With a broad defensive range, he not only defends against the opposing team's top scorer but also moves quickly to provide assistance and even block shots from the opposing center in the paint. His defensive presence on the court is all-encompassing.
It is because of his efficient contributions on the defensive end that the Warriors were able to hold their opponents while launching counterattacks and compete offensively. Many fans believe that Payton is as important to the team as Green. While Green is the pillar of the Warriors' interior defense, Payton is one of the pillars of their perimeter defense, alongside Wiggins. They are the defensive duo guarding against the opposition's key players.
Many fans have always believed that Payton's role on the court far exceeds that of Bjelica. However, Payton has not received as much playing time as Bjelica previously. It would be unfair to reduce Payton's playing time solely based on his inconsistent three-point shooting. What the Warriors should prioritize is ensuring a stable playing time for Payton, who should play more than 25 minutes per game. Only then can the Warriors maintain their defensive efficiency. What do the fans think?