50 Facts About Golden State Warriors

Founding and Early Years

The Golden State Warriors have a rich history that dates back to their founding in 1946. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their early years and how they evolved over time.

1. Founding Year: The Warriors were founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. Original Name: Initially, they were called the Philadelphia Warriors.
3. Early Years in Philadelphia: They were one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA.
4. First Championship: The Warriors clinched their first championship in 1947, just a year after their founding, led by Hall of Fame forward Joe Fulks.
5. First NBA Championship: In 1956, they won their first NBA championship, led by Hall of Fame trio Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, and Neil Johnston.

Wilt Chamberlain Era

Wilt Chamberlain's arrival marked a significant chapter in the Warriors' history. His incredible feats on the court are still remembered today.

6. Wilt Chamberlain: In 1959, the Warriors added local product Wilt Chamberlain, who would become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
7. 100-Point Game: Chamberlain famously scored an NBA-record 100 points in a single game while playing for the Warriors in 1962.

Move to the West Coast

The Warriors' relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area brought about a new era for the team, including a name change and a new home court.

8. Move to San Francisco Bay Area: After the 1961-62 season, a group of Bay Area investors purchased the franchise and moved it to the San Francisco Bay Area, renaming it the San Francisco Warriors in 1962.
9. Name Change to Golden State: In 1971, the team changed its name to the Golden State Warriors to reflect its new geographic location and to suggest that the team represented the entire state of California.
10. Oakland Arena: Almost all home games were played in Oakland that season; six were played in San Diego, but none in San Francisco or Daly City. Oakland Arena became the team's exclusive home court in 1971.

First West Coast Championship

The Warriors' first NBA championship on the West Coast was a monumental achievement, led by some legendary players and coaches.

11. First NBA Championship on the West Coast: The Warriors won their first NBA championship on the West Coast in 1974-75, led by Rick Barry and Jamaal Wilkes.
12. Rick Barry's MVP: Rick Barry was named Finals MVP in 1975, leading the Warriors to their third championship and one of the biggest upsets in NBA history.

The Stephen Curry Era

Stephen Curry's arrival marked the beginning of a new dynasty for the Warriors. His incredible skills and leadership have brought the team numerous accolades.

13. Stephen Curry's Early Years: Stephen Curry, one of the most iconic players in Warriors history, was drafted by the Warriors in 2009.
14. Curry's Record-Breaking Season: In the 2015-16 season, Curry set the record for most wins in a regular season with 73 victories and only 9 losses.
15. Curry's MVP Awards: Stephen Curry has been named the NBA's MVP twice while playing for the Warriors, in 2015 and 2016.
16. Curry's First Finals MVP: In 2022, Curry won his first Finals MVP award, leading the Warriors to a championship victory over the Boston Celtics.

Key Players and Contributions

Several key players have significantly contributed to the Warriors' success over the years. Their skills and dedication have been instrumental in the team's achievements.

17. Draymond Green's Impact: Draymond Green is known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court.
18. Andre Iguodala's Role: Andre Iguodala, who joined the Warriors in 2013, played a crucial role in their 2015 championship victory and was named Finals MVP that year.
19. Kevin Durant's Tenure: Kevin Durant joined the Warriors in 2016 and played a pivotal role in their back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
20. Durant's Departure: After the 2018-19 season, Kevin Durant left the Warriors to sign with the Brooklyn Nets.

Recent Success and Championships

The Warriors have continued to build on their legacy with recent successes, including their 2022 championship victory.

21. Rebuilding Period: Following Durant's departure, the Warriors experienced a rebuilding period but returned to the playoffs in 2021.
22. 2022 Championship: In 2022, the Warriors returned to championship glory, defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
23. Curry, Green, Thompson, and Iguodala: This core group of players has been instrumental in the Warriors' recent success.

The Splash Brothers

The "Splash Brothers" duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson has been one of the most dominant backcourts in NBA history.

24. Splash Brothers: The Warriors are known for their iconic "Splash Brothers" duo, consisting of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Home Court and Fan Base

The Warriors' home court and their passionate fan base have played a significant role in their success.

25. Chase Center: The Warriors play their home games at the Chase Center in San Francisco, which they moved into in 2019 after 48 years in Oakland.
26. Team Colors: The Warriors' team colors are royal blue and yellow.
27. Main Sponsor: The Warriors' main sponsor is Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce company.
28. Ownership: The Warriors are owned by Joe Lacob (majority owner) and Peter Guber.
29. President and General Manager: Brandon Schneider serves as the president, while Mike Dunleavy Jr. is the general manager.
30. Affiliation: The Warriors are affiliated with the Santa Cruz Warriors, a G-League team.

Championships and Records

The Warriors have a storied history of championships and records that highlight their dominance in the NBA.

31. Championships: The Warriors have won seven NBA championships: one BAA title in 1947 and six NBA titles in 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
32. Playoff Appearances: The Warriors have made numerous playoff appearances, including five consecutive Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019.
33. Records Held: The Warriors hold several NBA records, including the best regular season record (73-9 in 2015-16).

Notable Players and Contributions

Several notable players have left an indelible mark on the Warriors' history, contributing significantly to the team's success.

34. Notable Players: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Jamaal Wilkes, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala are some of the most notable players in Warriors history.

Community Service and Fan Base

The Warriors are known for their commitment to community service and their passionate fan base, which has been instrumental in their success.

35. Community Service: The Warriors have various initiatives aimed at supporting education, health, and youth development in the Bay Area and beyond.
36. Fan Base: Known as "Dub Nation," these fans have been instrumental in creating a lively and supportive atmosphere at Warriors games.
37. Chase Center's Impact: The Chase Center provides state-of-the-art facilities for both players and fans.

Personal Lives of Key Players

The personal lives of key players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson add another layer of interest to the Warriors' story.

38. Stephen Curry's Personal Life: Curry is married to Ayesha Curry and has three children.
39. Draymond Green's Personal Life: Green has been open about his family and upbringing.
40. Klay Thompson's Family: Thompson comes from an athletic family, with his father and brother both being professional athletes.

Unique Player Backgrounds

Some Warriors players have unique backgrounds and stories that add to the team's rich history.

41. Festus Ezeli's Background: Ezeli emigrated from Nigeria at 14 to become a doctor but pursued basketball instead.
42. Shaun Livingston's Early Life: Livingston could walk at seven months and was reading by the age of three.

Fun Facts and Traditions

The Warriors have some fun traditions and interesting facts that make them even more intriguing.

43. Curry's Bible Verse Tradition: Curry used to write a Bible verse on his sneakers, reflecting his strong faith.
44. Curry's Mom's Rule: Curry has to give his mom $100 every time he commits more than three turnovers in a game.
45. Green's Passion and Foul Issues: Green is known for his passion on the court, sometimes leading to issues with flagrant fouls.
46. Green's High School Cheating Incident: Green was caught cheating on a biology test in the ninth grade, leading his mother to give away everything he owned.
47. Green's Housing Situation: Green moved to Emeryville due to the high rents in San Francisco.
48. Ezeli's Sports Career: Ezeli pursued basketball instead of becoming a doctor.
49. Thompson's Family Ties: Thompson's father played in the NBA, and his brother plays major league baseball.
50. Thompson's Harry Potter Fandom: Thompson is a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, often dressing up as a Hogwarts wizard and visiting the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando.

Golden State Warriors: A Legacy of Excellence

The Golden State Warriors have a rich history filled with championships, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. From their early days as the Philadelphia Warriors to their current status as a powerhouse in the NBA, they've consistently shown resilience and excellence. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have become household names, leading the team to multiple titles. Their move to the Chase Center in San Francisco marked a new era, yet their commitment to the community and their passionate fan base, Dub Nation, remains unwavering. With a blend of historic achievements and modern-day success, the Warriors continue to inspire and captivate basketball fans worldwide. Their story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, making them a true symbol of excellence in the world of sports.