1946-1962: The Early Years
The Warriors were founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, playing in the Basketball Association of America. They won the league championship in their inaugural season, led by star player Joe Fulks. In 1950, they joined the newly formed NBA, where they continued to have success. They won two more championships in 1956 and 1958, behind the play of future Hall of Famers Paul Arizin and Neil Johnston.
1962-1971: Nate Thurmond and Wilt Chamberlain
In 1962, the Warriors moved to San Francisco and became the San Francisco Warriors. The team was led by big men Nate Thurmond and Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain famously scored 100 points in a game for the Warriors in 1962. In 1967, the team reached the NBA Finals, but lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.
1971-1976: Rick Barry
In 1971, the Warriors added Rick Barry, who became the team’s star player. They reached the NBA Finals in 1975, where they faced the heavily favored Washington Bullets. Led by Barry, the Warriors pulled off an upset in four games, winning the championship. It remains the only championship in Warriors history won in the Bay Area.
1976-1988: Struggling Years
After their championship in 1975, the Warriors struggled for many years. They made the playoffs just three times between 1976 and 1987, and never advanced past the second round.
1988-1998: Run TMC
In 1988, the Warriors drafted Chris Mullin, who joined the team’s other two star players, Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond. The trio became known as “Run TMC” and helped the Warriors become a contender again. In 1991, they reached the second round of the playoffs, but lost to the eventual champion Chicago Bulls.
1998-2010: More Struggles
After the Run TMC era, the Warriors struggled again for many years. They made the playoffs just once between 1998 and 2010, and never advanced past the second round.
2010-Present: The Modern Era
In 2010, things began to change for the Warriors, as they drafted Stephen Curry. Along with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the team became a dominant force in the NBA. They won their first championship in 2015, defeating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. They repeated as champions in 2017 and 2018, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors have had a colorful and successful history in the NBA. From their early championship teams to their struggles in the 80s and 90s, to their recent dominance in the 2010s, the Warriors have always been a team to watch. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for this storied franchise.