Spurs' biggest advantages against surging Warriors should lead to victory

It seems the rumors of Golden State's demise were highly exaggerated before the start of the 2024-25 season. The Warriors have been playing the best basketball in the Western Conference and, once again, look like a juggernaut the rest of the league will dread contending with all year. Well, it's the Spurs' turn for a shot at Steph Curry and the crew, and it won't be easy, but it's not impossible.

San Antonio has already proven they are ahead of schedule based not only on their record compared to last season but also on who they have beaten and how they've done it. Oklahoma City may not be at full strength, but that's a great team the Spurs beat with defense and high-level playmaking. The same will be needed against Steve Kerr's group, but the Silver and Black have an extra edge.

Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes have experience in the Warriors system

Yes, Barnes hasn't played alongside Curry in years, but as Spurs fans, we know that certain philosophies never change when the head coach stays the same. It's actually an advantage to have someone on the roster who played with a young version of Curry and Draymond Green because he knows about the things they've always been comfortable with.

On the other side, you have Chris Paul, who was just there last year. Barnes and Paul can compare notes to see which strategies have stayed the same and which ones have evolved. The veterans have been great at disseminating information to the young guys, who have done a spectacular job at implementing the teachings.

They'll need that guidance, because when you look at the stats leaguewide, the Warriors are at the top of the list is several categories. They're top ten in offensive and defensive rating, but when you look deeper, that top ten ranking applies almost fully across the board.

Golden State is in the top ten in 3-point percentage, assists, steals, blocks, and rebounds. However, they're ranked 16 in turnovers. SA must exploit that opportunity by pressuring their ball handlers. The Warriors like to push the pace more than the Spurs do; they're fifth in that stat. That can be a gift and a curse when players want to speed up the action.

The Warriors like to take a lot of 3-pointers, and they do it because they're great at it. They're less effective inside the arc, though, so San Antonio must commit to running them off the line and forcing them to try to score in the paint over Victor Wembanyama, assuming he suits up. This is another game Jeremy Sochan would be perfect for, but they have enough to get it done without him.

San Antonio has a significant size advantage over the Warriors, but many teams do. They negate their size disadvantage with strength, athleticism, and activity. They'll try to force the Spurs off the 3-point line and reach into passing lanes or into the pocket of the ball handler. If they have to turn over the ball, it needs to go out of bounds. Steals lead to transition buckets, and we don't want that.

The Silver and Black have to be strong with the ball to negate fast-break opportunities that are especially deadly against Golden State. Avoiding the barrage from Curry and his snipers is a goal every team emphasizes, and there's a reason for that. The game could be over in an instant if that happens, so I expect to see quick timeouts from Mitch Johnson and attention to detail from the guys.

That's the kind of energy they've been on anyway. It's exactly what's needed for an opponent like this. As I'm writing this, longtime Spurs reporter Matthew Tynan is suggesting Victor Wembanyama is on pace to play. He knows how important a game like this is as a litmus test for a young team. His size and the experience of the veterans will be key to their first three-game win streak of the season.