Take Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals as a prime example—after falling behind by 17 points in the first quarter, Klay Thompson took matters into his own hands. The Warriors, often known for their dazzling offense, had long faced criticism for their relaxed attitude during games. Some would say they played too casually, relying on talent over discipline. While that swagger was backed by undeniable skill, it occasionally led to unexpected losses, especially against gritty teams that never gave up. But this season, something shifted.

This version of the Warriors isn’t just finesse—they can grind, scrap, and battle in the trenches. That transformation has elevated them to a new level. The challenges they faced in the West this season were tougher than in the previous three years. They lost the top seed, meaning they had to start the series on the road against the Houston Rockets without home-court advantage. That experience felt unfamiliar for a team used to dictating the terms.

But Thompson’s performance was unforgettable: 13-of-23 shooting, 35 points, and 9 three-pointers. Even Steve Kerr, a coach who has seen the Warriors deliver one jaw-dropping moment after another, couldn’t help but marvel, saying Thompson looked like a machine. “His body was calibrated, and he just exploded,” Kerr remarked, according to Cricket Exchange.

This wasn’t even the first time Thompson rescued the Warriors from the edge. Two years earlier, also in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, he dropped 41 points and nailed 11 threes to help Golden State overcome the then-dominant Thunder led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Now, facing similar adversity, Thompson once again stepped up. “I don’t know if I was born for this,” Thompson said after the game, “but I’ve worked my tail off to be ready. So I do believe this moment was made for me.”

Stephen Curry also had a crucial impact, scoring 29 points in that comeback win. Durant, often criticized throughout the playoffs, had averaged 29.8 points over the series by that point. Meanwhile, Draymond Green contributed in all-around fashion with averages of 11.7 rebounds and 7 assists, despite scoring only 8 points per game.

At the heart of this resilient team stands head coach Steve Kerr. Much of the Warriors’ sustained success can be traced back to his leadership and tactical vision. Kerr emphasizes collective strength over individual heroics. Longtime fans may recall Kerr’s playing days with the Chicago Bulls, particularly his battles against the Utah Jazz in the late ’90s. One of Utah’s signature plays—initiated through Karl Malone in the post and featuring off-ball screens from John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek—left a lasting impression on Kerr.

Ironically, the very tactic that once gave Kerr nightmares is now one of his go-to weapons. Today’s Warriors regularly run similar sets, with Curry and Thompson screening for each other to open up scoring opportunities. It’s a nod to the past, executed with modern flair.

“I don’t like isolation basketball,” Kerr explained. “I really don’t.” That’s why he encourages Durant to trust his teammates and move the ball. Even during playoff pressure, without key players like Andre Iguodala, Kerr remains committed to using an eight-man rotation. “Basketball isn’t about burning out your five best players,” Kerr said. “It’s about trusting your bench, deepening your rotation—even if it means dropping a few games—because every player needs to be ready to deliver.”

And that, more than anything, is what makes this Warriors team special: not just star power, but a belief that every piece of the puzzle matters. As Cricket Exchange notes, they continue to rewrite the script—even when they’re hanging by a thread.