To Gregg Popovich, the Golden State Warriors are an "unsolvable" wonder.
Popovich, a wonder in his own right as coach of the 45-8 San Antonio Spurs, told ESPN Radio on Friday that he's spent countless hours fixated on the reigning champions.
"I've spent more time thinking about Golden State than I have any other team I've ever thought about in my whole career," Popovich said, as transcribed by CSN Bay Area.
"Because they are really fun. I'd go buy a ticket and go watch them play. And when I see them move the ball, I get very envious. When I see them shoot uncontested shots more than anybody else in the league, it's inspiring. It's just great basketball."
With 48 wins against just four losses, the Warriors hold the best win percentage at the All-Star break in league history. Their current rate has them on pace for 76 wins this season - four more than even the immortal 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
In their only meeting thus far, the Warriors smacked the Spurs by 30 at the Oracle Arena in January. The Spurs didn't have Tim Duncan in that game, but the speedy Warriors pose matchup problems for everyone in the league - even the Spurs, who boast a historically dominant defense.
Popovich's unit conceded 120 points in that meeting and fell behind by 29 points through three quarters. Solving that puzzle will be Popovich's biggest test this season, and he's relishing the challenge.
"I'm actually enjoying them very much. You try to solve them, but they're in a sense unsolvable because it's a particular mix of talent that they have," Popovich explained. "It's not just that Steph (Curry) can make shots or that Klay (Thompson) can make shots or that Draymond Green is versatile. Everybody on the court can pass, catch, and shoot. And they all get it."
