The Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful NBA franchises in recent history, have amassed a wealth of intriguing facts and records over their storied existence.
From their early days in Philadelphia to their current dominance in the Bay Area, the Warriors have consistently captivated fans with their on-court brilliance and off-court stories.
In this article, we’ll delve into a collection of fascinating facts that showcase the unique and remarkable aspects of the Golden State Warriors organization.
From their championship pedigree to their innovative approach to the game, these facts will provide a deeper appreciation for one of the NBA’s most iconic teams.
History of Golden State Warriors
The history of the Golden State Warriors began in 1946 when they were established as the Philadelphia Warriors, a charter member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
The team won the inaugural BAA championship in the 1946-47 season, defeating the Chicago Stags.
They secured another title in 1956, led by Hall of Famers Paul Arizin and Tom Gola.
In 1962, the franchise relocated to San Francisco, becoming the San Francisco Warriors.
The name was changed to the Golden State Warriors in 1971, making them the only NBA team not to include their city or state in their name.
The Warriors experienced ups and downs over the years, including a significant rebuilding phase after trading Wilt Chamberlain in 1965.
The franchise saw a resurgence in the 1970s, winning their third championship in 1975, which is often regarded as one of the biggest upsets in NBA history.
In recent years, the Warriors have enjoyed tremendous success, winning championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, becoming a dominant force in the league, particularly with the emergence of stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, known as the Splash Brothers.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Golden State Warriors;
1. The Golden State Warriors were founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, winning the inaugural Basketball Association of America (BAA) championship in 1947.
2. The team relocated to San Francisco in 1962 and became known as the San Francisco Warriors, before adopting the name Golden State Warriors in 1971.
3. The Warriors have won a total of 7 NBA championships, the third-most in league history.
4. On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA-record 100 points in a single game as a Warrior.
5. In 2016, the Warriors broke the record for most wins in a regular season with 73 victories and only 9 losses, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record.
6. Stephen Curry’s real name is Wardell, and he has set numerous three-point records, including most three-pointers made in a season (402 in 2015-16).
7. Curry was the first player in NBA history to win the MVP award by unanimous vote in 2015-16.
8. The Warriors’ current head coach, Steve Kerr, was a player on the 1996 Chicago Bulls team that held the previous record for most wins in a season.
9. In 2016, the Warriors became the 10th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a best-of-seven series, rallying against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals.A
10. Draymond Green holds the Warriors’ franchise record for most triple-doubles in a season.
11. The Warriors’ mascot is named “Thunder,” introduced in 1983.
12. The team’s iconic colors are royal blue and golden yellow.
13. The Warriors have developed intense rivalries with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers over the years.
14. The franchise has been home to numerous Hall of Fame players, including Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain, Chris Mullin, and Nate Thurmond.
15. Current owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber purchased the Warriors in 2010, leading the team to immense success.
16. The Warriors moved to their new home, the Chase Center in San Francisco, in 2019 after 48 years in Oakland.
17. Klay Thompson, one of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Curry, holds the record for most three-pointers made in a playoff game.
18. Thompson is a self-proclaimed “Harry Potter” geek, with photos of him dressed as a Hogwarts wizard and geeking out at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.
19. Draymond Green was caught cheating on a biology test in 9th grade, leading his mother to give away everything he owned as punishment.
20. Festus Ezeli, a former Warriors player, emigrated from Nigeria at age 14 with the intention of becoming a doctor before pursuing basketball.
21. Shaun Livingston, another Warriors player, could walk at seven months and was reading by age three.
22. Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, played in the NBA for three teams, and his brother, Trayce, plays Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
23. In 2015, the Warriors won their first championship in 40 years, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
24. The Warriors won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, cementing their dynasty.
25. Golden State reached the NBA Finals for a record five consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2019.
26. The Warriors have won 6 Western Conference titles, tying the record held by the Los Angeles Lakers.
27. Golden State has won 12 Pacific Division titles, the most in the division’s history.
28. The Warriors have retired the jerseys of 6 players: Wilt Chamberlain, Tom Meschery, Al Attles, Chris Mullin, Rick Barry, and Nate Thurmond.
29. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, known as the “Splash Brothers,” are considered one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history.
30. The Warriors’ 2015 championship marked the first time the franchise had won a title in 40 years.
31. Golden State’s 2017 championship was the first for the franchise since moving to the Bay Area in 1962.
32. The Warriors’ 2018 title was their third championship in four years, cementing their status as a modern NBA dynasty.
33. Golden State’s 2022 championship was their 4th in 8 seasons, further solidifying their place among the NBA’s elite franchises.
34. The Warriors have led the NBA in attendance for multiple seasons, showcasing their passionate and dedicated fan base.
35. The team’s current president is Brandon Schneider, while Mike Dunleavy Jr. serves as the general manager.
36. The Warriors have an affiliation with the Santa Cruz Warriors, their NBA G League developmental team.
37. Golden State’s main sponsor is Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce and internet company.
Conclusion
From their humble beginnings in Philadelphia to their current dynasty in the Bay Area, the Warriors have consistently captivated fans with their thrilling gameplay, record-breaking performances, and championship pedigree.
The fascinating facts presented in this article showcase the unique and remarkable aspects of the Warriors organization.
From Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game to Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP award and the team’s record-breaking 73-win season, the Warriors have etched their name in the annals of basketball history.
The team’s recent success, with four championships in the last eight seasons, has solidified their status as a modern NBA dynasty.
The Splash Brothers duo of Curry and Klay Thompson, along with the contributions of players like Draymond Green, have made the Warriors a must-watch team for basketball fans around the world.
