The Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful and influential franchises in NBA history, have a rich history that spans over seven decades. From their early days in Philadelphia to becoming a powerhouse in Oakland and San Francisco, the Warriors’ journey is marked by iconic players, historic championships, and a transformative impact on the game of basketball. This article chronicles the history of the Golden State Warriors, highlighting key milestones and memorable moments.
Early Years in Philadelphia
The Warriors were founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, one of the original teams in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA.
- First Championship (1947): The Warriors won the inaugural BAA championship in 1947, led by star player Joe Fulks.
- Second Championship (1956): The team secured another title in 1956, with Paul Arizin and Tom Gola playing pivotal roles.
Move to San Francisco
In 1962, the franchise relocated to San Francisco, becoming the San Francisco Warriors. The move marked the beginning of a new era, although the team experienced mixed success on the court.
- Wilt Chamberlain Era: Wilt Chamberlain, one of the greatest players in NBA history, was a dominant force for the Warriors during the early 1960s.
- 1964 NBA Finals: The Warriors reached the NBA Finals in 1964 but were defeated by the Boston Celtics.
Oakland and the Golden Era
The team moved to Oakland in 1971, becoming the Golden State Warriors. The 1970s and 1980s saw the Warriors build a solid foundation, highlighted by a historic championship run.
- 1975 Championship: Led by coach Al Attles and star player Rick Barry, the Warriors won the NBA championship in 1975, defeating the heavily favored Washington Bullets.
- “Run TMC” Era: The late 1980s and early 1990s featured the exciting trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, known as “Run TMC,” who made the Warriors a thrilling team to watch.
Resurgence and Modern Dominance
The Warriors’ modern era of dominance began in the 2010s, characterized by strategic management decisions, exceptional drafting, and innovative play.
- Stephen Curry Drafted (2009): The selection of Stephen Curry marked a turning point for the franchise. Curry’s extraordinary shooting ability and leadership transformed the team.
- Klay Thompson and Draymond Green: Drafting Klay Thompson in 2011 and Draymond Green in 2012 provided the Warriors with a core group of talented players.
- Steve Kerr as Head Coach: In 2014, Steve Kerr was hired as head coach, bringing a new offensive philosophy that emphasized ball movement and three-point shooting.
Championship Dynasty
The Warriors’ strategic moves culminated in one of the most dominant periods in NBA history.
- First Championship (2015): The Warriors won the NBA championship in 2015, their first in 40 years, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- 73-Win Season (2016): The team set an NBA record with 73 wins in the 2015-2016 regular season, though they fell short in the Finals, losing to the Cavaliers.
- Back-to-Back Titles (2017, 2018): With the addition of Kevin Durant, the Warriors won consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018, solidifying their status as a dynasty.
- Fifth Championship (2022): After a brief rebuilding period, the Warriors captured their fifth championship in the modern era, showcasing their resilience and sustained excellence.
Community and Legacy
The Warriors have made significant contributions off the court as well.
- Community Engagement: The Warriors are actively involved in community service, supporting education, health, and youth sports initiatives in the Bay Area.
- Chase Center: In 2019, the Warriors moved to the state-of-the-art Chase Center in San Francisco, further cementing their status as a premier NBA franchise.
The history of the Golden State Warriors is a story of transformation, resilience, and excellence. From their early successes in Philadelphia to their modern-day dominance in the NBA, the Warriors have built a legacy that transcends basketball. With a commitment to innovation, community, and winning, the Warriors continue to inspire fans and set new standards for success in professional sports.