The Warriors are 9-1.

Let that sink in.

Monday night, the Dubs welcomed Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks to chase center, and safe to say this marquee matchup delivered. Stephen Curry, in typical fashion, silenced the doubters with a massive 50 point game that has sent shock waves throughout the entire NBA community. It is almost as if everyone forgot who the best shooter in league history is. Shame.

The Warriors’ early success can be attributed to many things this year. Their defense has been stellar, offering them many transitional scoring opportunities. However, a recent trend of dominant third-quarter play is beginning to take shape, much like in their past championship teams.

In the last four games against the Hawks, Pelicans, Hornets, and Houston we have seen the Dubs go on scoring runs of epic proportions.

Staring with their game against Charlotte.

The dubs were up by three points with 6:54 left in the quarter, a mere 4 minutes later the score was 80-64. These 4 minutes of play were encapsulated by the Dubs' 14-1 run that inevitably allowed them to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Similarly against the Rockets, where the dubs led by only 5 points with four minutes left in the quarter but ended the third on a massive 18-2 run.

And then again, last night, against the Hawks. They trailed at the half, and it seemed maybe that the Hawks may get the best of them coming off back-to-back games. Nope. With only a 1:47 left in the quarter the dubs led by 4, and as the quarter came to a close they widened their lead to 17. A 13-0 run to close out the quarter.

For those that can remember, a hallmark of the 2017 championship teams was their ability to outscore their opponents in the third quarter. In 2017, the Dubs outscored their opponents by 18.5 net points per 100 possessions. A truly remarkable stat.

The ability to come out of the locker room and go on these massive scoring runs is something that can truly deplete an opponent. Additionally, it helps the Warriors in a big way because it offers the potential to rest their veterans while simultaneously getting their young guys more reps.

If Golden State can keep this up, there isn't a team in the league right now that can hang with them. They are playing some of the best basketball we have seen in years with no real signs of slowing down. While it may be early in the year, this team is already developing an identity, a task that takes most teams months to actualize. Their identity is that not only will they be tenacious and gritty on defense, but they will also put points up in a hurry. I’d be surprised if this stretch of games hasn’t given front offices around the league headaches, better yet I’d be shocked. Unfortunately for them, it seems the Warriors are back, and quite literally better than ever.

(Photo credit: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press)