Warriors owner: 'We drove the idea of small ball'

The Golden State Warriors just became the first team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 lead in the Finals, but that has done little to stifle the confidence of team owner Joe Lacob.

The Warriors' outspoken CEO has no doubt about Golden State's place in the league despite their recent collapse, believing that other clubs will continue to mimic his team going forward.

"We drove this idea of small ball, and it’s a different style of play," Lacob told Jennifer Elias of bizjournals.com. "Having said that, I think it’s important to know that whenever everyone else starts doing things, it’s time to start doing what’s next. We’re on to the next idea - How can we iterate to evolve to get an advantage? I can assure you we’re very forward thinking in that regard."

Lacob has consistently credited the Warriors success to their superior management, lauding himself and the rest of Golden State's executives for their use of statistical analysis.

"We do a lot of data analysis from day one," Lacob said. "We want to be the first to bring new technology."

Even the loss of assistant coach Luke Walton has done little to worry Lacob, stating that his departure only adds to Golden State's legacy.

"I love that we lose our assistant coach to a head coach position," Lacob said. "That does great things for our legacy. I think he has what it takes but in time - it’s still a little early."