Editor's note: Grant Liffmann (@grantliffmann) is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders, which airs on NBC Sports Bay Area 90 minutes before each home game and 60 minutes after every game. Each week, Grant will drop his Outsider Observation on the state of the Dubs.
The juggernaut Warriors of the last five years are no longer, but some key star holdovers have a chance to reach some NBA records this season.
With the departures of Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and the injury to Klay Thompson, the playmaking and scoring for the Warriors will mostly fall on the shoulders of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and newly acquired D'Angelo Russell. So as the construction of the team changed dramatically, the Warriors now potentially face a struggle to play the same suffocating defense most have come accustomed to.
Instead, they will rely on a high-powered offense and individual key defensive players to lead the charge. Here are some records that they could break this season.
Most 3-pointers in a regular season: Steph Curry 402 (2015-16)
The biggest key to Curry toppling his own historic 3-point season will be staying healthy and in the lineup. Curry has not played over 70 games in a season since 2016-17, and played 79 games when he shattered the season record.
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Since the Warriors might have to outscore teams in shootouts with their defense less reliable, Curry will be able to fire away with abandon. Curry hit 354 3-pointers in just 69 games last season. If he played 10 extra games and maintained his average 3-point rate, he would have broken his record.
So what else could help Curry break 402? Well, just keep reading ...
3-point attempts per game: James Harden 13.2 (2018-19)
When Curry made 402 3-pointers, he averaged 11.2 attempts per game. Last season, he averaged a career-high 11.7 3-point attempts per game. Shooting two more 3s per game is within reason, and definitely a welcome proposition for all Warriors fans.
Most consecutive games with 5+ 3-pointers made: James Harden 12 (2018-19)
The more Steph shoots, the more he makes. Harden might be watching a few of his milestones surpassed this season.
Most 3-pointers attempted in a game: Klay Thompson 24 (Oct. 29, 2018)
Most 3-pointers made in a game: Klay Thompson 14 (Oct. 29, 2018)
Curry already jokingly (probably) proclaimed that he would shoot 22 3-pointers on opening night against the Clippers. So would you be surprised if he had a few games this season in which he launched endlessly from long range? Unfortunately for Klay, he will have to sit idly on the bench for most of the season while Curry goes after his record.
[RELATED: Steph Curry primed for another MVP season]
Most steals in a game: Larry Kenon 11 (Dec. 26, 1976), Kendall Gill 11 (April 3, 1999)
The defensive category belongs to Draymond Green, and after signing a $100 million extension and getting into the best shape of his life, he is primed for a breakout season. If last playoffs are any indicator of how he will play next season, then there are several defensive records and milestones that can be within his sights.
On Feb. 10, 2017, Green recorded a triple-double in Memphis. But it was not just any triple-double, it included 10 steals, one away from the single-game record. There will be many games next season that he will carry the team defensively, so perhaps he approaches the record again.
200 steals plus 100 blocks in one season: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen
In 2016-17, Green set a career-high 154 steals and blocked 106 shots -- down from his previous career-high of 113 the year prior. Remaining healthy and in the lineup for most of the season will be imperative for Green to even have a chance at approaching a 200-100 season.
It still is a long shot for Draymond to reach those totals, but when he is in shape, motivated and playing with fire, there's always a chance.
