The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors have been trying to improve on their successful 2014-15 campaign by trying to make history in 2015-16. Currently at 55-5, after their recent victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dubs are approaching some historic company. They are coming after the 72 win mark set by the Chicago Bulls in 1995-96 season.
Despite the Dubs downplaying the chase for 73 wins all season long, it’s almost impossible to see them not achieve such a feat. The Warriors are the best team in the NBA and their offense connects on all cylinders on a night to night basis and their defense is among the tops in the league.
Yet despite the success of the team this season and possible records being broken going forward, their coach, Steve Kerr, might be the one stopping the team breaking the record. A record that Kerr also has as a member of the 96 Bulls.
Following from Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he is more worried about getting his players’ rest before the playoffs arrive in late April than trying to break the Bulls’ mark.
“Resting, that will take precedence,” Kerr said. “We will rest guys if they need it before we will go for any kind of streak or record, that’s for sure.”
Stephen Curry isn’t surprised by Kerr’s plan.“That is how I assumed he would handle it,” Curry told Yahoo Sports. “Obviously, the big picture is always the most important trying to win a championship. Case in point, like tonight [against Oklahoma City], they put Andre [Iguodala] on a minutes restriction knowing he is probably the best matchup for KD [Kevin Durant]. Not worrying about that per say but making sure he is going to be healthy long-term.
“Little decisions along the way like that are about keeping us healthy, keeping us fresh as opposed to … what might be best for that particular night to get a win. We will see how that manifests. Hopefully, there won’t be too many decisions that he will have to make along the way.”
“As long as we do it the right way, as long as we keep the focus,” Curry said. “It would be a huge accomplishment because they are still talking about that Bulls team. For someone to come along and chase our potential record would be something special.
“Honestly, if we are a 70-win team and champions versus a 73-win team and depleted energy and banged up going into the playoffs, we’re trying to avoid that. But at the same token, it’s a tough balance. How many times are you going to have this opportunity?”
