Dub Nation
Seven-time NBA champions (1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022); also won the 1947 BAA championship
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in San Francisco. The Warriors compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Founded in 1946 in Philadelphia, the Warriors moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and took the city's name before changing its geographic moniker to Golden State in 1971. The team plays its home games at Chase Center.
- Cultural Impact
- Holds the record for best regular season (73–9) and is known for the 1975 championship, often cited as a major upset in NBA lore
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Warriors won the inaugural Basketball Association of America (BAA) championship in 1947, and won again in 1956, led by Hall of Fame trio Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, and Neil Johnston. After the trade of star Wilt Chamberlain in January 1965, the team finished the 1964–65 season with the NBA's worst record (17–63). Their rebuilding period was brief, however, as they drafted Rick Barry four months after the trade. Barry, along with Jamaal Wilkes, powered the Warriors to their third championship in 1975, a title often remembered as a major upset. The team struggled in the 1980s, then became playoff regulars at the turn of the decade with stars Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, nicknamed 'Run TMC'. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the team returned to championship glory in 2015. In 2016, the Warriors achieved the best-ever regular-season record at 73–9 before losing the Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games after surrendering a 3–1 series lead. After signing former MVP Kevin Durant, the team won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. They lost the 2019 Finals to the Toronto Raptors and Durant left that off-season. After missing the playoffs the next two seasons, the Warriors returned to the playoffs and defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 Finals.
In Their Own Story
The franchise faced significant struggles in the 1980s before finding resurgence with stars Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin, known as "Run TMC." This era highlighted Eric "Sleepy" Floyd's legendary performance where he scored 29 points in a single playoff quarter against the Lakers. The team returned to championship glory in 2015 under Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. In 2016, they achieved the best-ever regular-season record at 73–9 but lost the Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers after surrendering a 3–1 series lead. After signing Kevin Durant, they won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Following a return to the playoffs after two missed seasons, they defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 Finals.
Reader's Guide
Nicknamed the 'Dubs' as a shortening of 'W's', the Warriors hold several NBA records: best regular season, most wins in a season (regular season and postseason combined), and best postseason run. Curry and Thompson are generally considered one of the greatest backcourts of all time. The Warriors rank third for the most NBA championships and Finals appearances in NBA history, trailing only the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. Chamberlain and Curry are the only players in franchise history to win the league MVP award, for a total of three awards.
Did You Know?
- The Warriors won the inaugural BAA championship in 1947, which predates the NBA.
- Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game on March 2, 1962.
- The Warriors' 1975 championship is often recalled as a major upset in NBA lore.
- The Warriors achieved the best-ever regular-season record at 73–9 in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dub Nation refer to?
This term identifies the worldwide community of Golden State Warriors supporters who connect primarily through digital platforms and shared passion. It emerged prominently during the franchise's historic championship run beginning in 2014-2015.
How did the name Dub Nation originate?
Supporters shortened Oakland to "Dub," eventually expanding it to represent a global army rather than just local residents. This moniker grew alongside the team's shift toward high-volume three-point shooting.
Which players are central to this fanbase identity?
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green form the core trio associated with this movement, often joined by Kevin Durant during their peak years. Their performance on the court drove the emotional investment of millions of fans.
Where do Dub Nation fans gather for games?
The group established its home at Oracle Arena in Oakland before transitioning to the Chase Center in San Francisco. Both locations remain iconic symbols of the team's modern dynasty and cultural footprint.
Why is Dub Nation considered significant beyond basketball?
They revolutionized sports fandom by creating a unified, online-first culture that transcends traditional geographic boundaries. This movement helped normalize the three-point strategy across the entire NBA league.
More in Stadium & Fan Culture
Related in Golden State Warriors
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Golden State Warriors universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record