The idea was that the Warriors would be better this year because of the return of Klay Thompson. How are they freaking incredible before he’s even back? They have the league’s best defense, but their offense has improved even more, from the 20th best in the league to the second-best, with a lot of the same personnel. David Thorpe examines the video to explain what’s working so well.

Also:

* The NBA system chews up players, with 79 players on the injured list right now. Why is this such a dangerous profession?

* One of the NBA’s highest paid players—John Wall—has been sitting out the Rockets’ season while they play younger players. Now he’d like to play, and (evidently worried about lottery positioning) the team isn’t sure they want him. What can we do to make sure this kind of weird stuff doesn’t happen again?

* The Ghislaine Maxwell trial—with its various NBA connections—begins in New York.

RECENT BRING IT IN EPISODES:

* WEDNESDAY November 24, 2021 TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott, David Thorpe, and Jarod Hector give thanks.

* FRIDAY November 19, 2021 How much do the Lakers need LeBron?

* MONDAY November 15, 2021 Henry asked David, “Who are the current NBA players who have at least a one percent chance of ever being NBA MVP, ever?”

* FRIDAY November 12, 2021 David Thorpe question the 76ers’ position in the Ben Simmons’ mental health drama.

* MONDAY November 8, 2021 Did the Celtics’ defense do anything wrong to allow Luka’s crazy game-winner?

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