The Warriors have surged to the NBA’s top defensive rating over the past two weeks and currently sit third league-wide for the season, according to Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle.
Golden State has held three straight opponents below 100 points, showing major growth since Draymond Green publicly criticized the team’s defensive effort after a November 26 loss to Houston.
Although they lack traditional size, the Warriors compensate with constant ball pressure, active hands, and frequent switches between man and zone defenses. The recent return of De’Anthony Melton, now healthy after an ACL tear, has strengthened their perimeter coverage.
“We’re taking away some of the easy stuff. Some of that is taking better care of the ball,” Steve Kerr said, noting that controlling tempo helps keep their defense organized. “Overall, we’re doing a better job containing dribble penetration and just helping each other and playing with a lot of energy.”
Offensively, the Warriors still rank just 22nd due to ongoing turnover issues, but unexpected contributors have helped keep them afloat during injuries.
Backup guard Pat Spencer has averaged 16 points and 5.8 assists on 59.1% shooting over the past four games with Stephen Curry sidelined by a quad contusion and muscle strain.
“He’s a really good downhill pick-and-roll player, which is a powerful force,” Kerr said of Spencer. “You need that type of action, especially in the modern game with the floor spacing. And he’s a good passer.”
Warriors Notes: Defense, Curry, Melton, Kuminga, Spencer https://t.co/HignQYVR0q pic.twitter.com/bhZXDExNVU
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 11, 2025
