Super Smash Bros is the American version of the Japanese video game Dairantō Sumasshu Burazāzu (Great Melee Smash Brothers). Games in this series include Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 64; Super Smash Bros Melee for Gamecube; Super Smash Bros Brawl for Wii; and Super Smash Bros Bros for Nintendo 3DS. These games include battles between characters of known cartoons such as Mario and Luigi from Super Mario Bros; Donkey Kong; Falco and Fox from Star Fox; and Mewtwo from Pokemon. Weapons used in these games include hand grenades, bombs, and home-run bats. Here is a picture of some of the characters in Super Smash Bros.

The Golden State Warriors have a starting backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Here is a picture of them as the Super Splash Bros.

They have been nicknamed the Splash Bros, and even Super Splash Bros because of their ability to make the three-point shot early and often in a game. Just as characters in Super Smash Bros use weapons like the home-run bats and bombs to vanquish their opponents; Curry and Thompson splash three pointers consistently to defeat theirs.

Curry and Thompson are both top five in the NBA in points per game.

Player                                                 Points

1. Kobe Bryant                              27.6
2. Klay Thompson                        27
3. James Harden                          26
4. Steph Curry                               26
5. Blake Griffin                             24.8

Thompson and Curry make up the highest scoring backcourt in the NBA. How do other starting backcourts stack up with the Warriors in terms of scoring?

Curry and Thompson average 11.4 more points combined than the second highest scoring backcourt of Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan for the Toronto Raptors. The Warriors average 109.5 points per game. The 53 points that Steph and Klay score make up 48.4% of the Warriors offense.

Out of the 53 points Steph and Klay average 28% to 33% of their points come from behind the three point line. How do Steph and Klay stack up among the the NBA’s leaders in three pointers made?

Position: Point Guard                            Three Pointers Made

1. Damian Lillard                                             2.6

2. Steph Curry                                                  2.5

3. Patrick Beverley                                          2.3

4. Kemba Walker                                            2.2

5. Jameer Nelson                                            2.0

5. Avery Bradley                                              2.0

Position: Shooting Guard                     Three Pointers Made

1. Klay Thompson                                             3.3

2. Kyle Korver                                                   3.0

2. Kevin Martin                                                 3.0

4. Garrett Temple                                             2.8

4. Wesley Matthews                                         2.8

With Curry making the second most threes per game for Point Guards and Thompson making the most threes among Shooting Guards, the Super Splash Bros use the three point line to their advantage. Their ability to make threes as quickly and consistently as they do make them video game like.

Here is a clip of Curry going 4-8 from the three-point line and Thompson going 3-4 from the three-point line in a victory against the Clippers.

A final aspect of the Super Splash Bros worth noting is that their fathers (Dell Curry and Mychal Thompson) had very successful NBA careers and have helped shape them into the men they are today. Here is an interview from 2013 with Steph and Dell Curry, and Klay and Mychal Thompson.

Mark Jackson has helped to turn the culture around in Oakland. By Rose White via Wikimedia Commons

Make no mistake, this year’s Warriors are here to stay. Stacked with a young core, unselfish star power and a coach with an intensity evident on the sidelines, the Warriors are primed for a serious five to ten year ride into Western Conference contention.

After Mark Jackson’s self-aggrandizing prophecy about making the playoffs fell apart last year, I was certain the Warriors wouldn’t be any  better this year. And though I heard murmurings amongst beat writers, bloggers, radio personalities and fans, that this year’s team could surprise their foes much like the Baron Davis-led team in 2006, I scoffed with a slow sour puss, “seriously!?”

But now more than mid-way through the season and that has become a reality. The Warriors, currently 2nd in the Pacific division with a 27-17 record, sit a respectable five games back of the first place Clippers.

Coach Mark Jackson has brought intensity on defense –

Adding Andrew Bogut last season in a trade for the gunning Monta Ellis, somersaulted coach Jackson’s vision of defense at a more rapid pace. And with the big man turning in a 12 point, 8 rebound, 4 block effort tonight in his first game back from a season long injury, that has become even more of a reality.

The Warriors have drafted extremely well the last two years –

Selecting Klay Thompson 11th in the 2011 draft is proving to be a positive.  The second year swing has been an efficient 3rd option on the perimeter, averaging 16.0 points per game on 38.0% shooting from deep.  His 6’7″ length and ability to take players off the dribble has opened up the game for the set shooting rookie, Harrison Barnes. Barnes fluid contribution into Jackson’s system has been a key cog in the Warriors success. Considered an offfensive liability in last year’s draft because of his difficulties with getting open, Barnes has comfortably accepted a minute-heavy role position, amongst an athletic, unselfish, and deep rotation.

Stephen Curry is emerging as a star in the NBA. By Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA via Wikimedia Commons

The team is led by two unassuming superstars –

In fact more than unassuming…surprising. Stephen Curry has legitimized his name amongst the elite guards in today’s NBA. Returning from an injury plagued 2011-2012, lit a spark in the 3rd year guard. He, and the team’s first all star in 16-years – David Lee – have, through their own example, set a precedence among the team. Both stars are willing to pass-first-shoot-second, hit the glass and play hard on both sides of the ball. Lee, is yet again, close to a 20-10 season on 51.4% shooting.  Curry, arguably an MVP candidate and this year’s most notable snub from the All Star roster, is 15th in steals( 1.6), 8th in points (21.0), 13th in assists (6.5), 2nd in three-point field goals (132) and 2nd in three point field goal percentage ( 45.4%).

So what are Local Bloggers, radio personalities and fans saying about this year’s Warriors team?

“It took a year for the team to gel together, building team chemistry.” – C.j. Silas from the C.J. Silas Show on ESPN 1280

“Look at minutes played. Last year, the main rotation includes heavy minutes for Brandon Rush, Dorell Wright, Nate Robinson and Dominic McGuire. That’s been replaced this year, with Curry, Jarrett Jack, Harrison Barnes and Carl Landry.”  – Shane Miranda, NBA Fan

“Stephen Curry being back is definitely a big deal. I also think Jarett Jack’s veteran leadership and late game scoring in the backcourt, has been significant.” – Andy Stevens, co-founder of fansmanship.com

“David Lee! First All Star since Sprewell in 1997.” – Mike Kinney, longtime Warriors Fan

“Shane Miranda’s comment seems the most credible.” – J.D Scroggin, college beat writer at the Tribune

“Maturity and acceptance of roles are important things at any level. Along with having an older more mature Curry in the lineup, Mark Jackson and new organizational leadership have done a superb job of defining roles and sticking to their vision.” – Owen Main, co-founder of fansmanship.com

“Defense, defense, and defense.” -Matt Dale, Warriors fan and resident of Marin County