Golden State Warriors Roster: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson Form Most Dynamic Backcourt Since 1972, Says Pat Riley
Miami Heat president Pat Riley believes the backcourt tandem of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson is the most dynamic guard duo since early 1970s.
Riley told the Associated Press that the backcourt tandem of Jerry West and Gail Goodrich is still the best in NBA history, but he said that the Golden State Warriors duo of Curry and Thompson is catching up.
According to the report, West and Goodrich combined for 50 points during the 1971-72 season. West also led the team in assists, while Goodrich shot above 50 percent. They led the Los Angeles Lakers to 33 straight victories during the season. The 1971-72 Lakers team eventually won the NBA title.
"Go back and check their numbers, 25 points apiece and Jerry leading the team in assists, Gail shooting close to 50 percent or whatever it was," Riley said of the West-Goodrich tandem. "Both of them could shoot it, could drive it, could pass it. That's what you're seeing here."
Curry, the 2014-15 NBA Most Valuable Player, averaged 32.7 points in his first 15 games this season, while Thompson posted 16.6 points in 14 games, which means they are at par with Goodrich and West's combined point production during the 1971-72 season.
But aside from statistics, Riley pointed out that the Curry-Thompson duo is capable of building an NBA dynasty. The Warriors won the title last season after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games during the 2015 NBA Finals. For Riley, the Warriors have yet to reach their peak form.
"They are in the beginning of something that can be dynastic," Riley said. "They're in the beginning stages of it and that's the scary part, versus somebody that catches lightning in a bottle one time. They're at the beginning because all of their key players, all of them, are young and they're talented."
The Warriors are off to a strong start this season, winning in their first 15 games. They have already matched the best start in NBA history, which was recorded by the 1948-49 Washington Capitols team and 1993-94 Houston Rockets squad.
Golden State will have a chance to break the record on Tuesday, when they collide with the Lakers at Oracle Arena. Riley believes the Warriors will set a new record and could even make more milestones in the future, admitting that teams will have a hard time challenging the Warriors' reign.
"It's going to be very difficult to challenge them," Riley added. "But that's what we're here for."
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