I still vividly remember watching Game 6 of the 2015 NBA Finals when the Golden State Warriors clinched their first championship in 40 years. As someone who's followed basketball religiously since the 90s, I've got to say that particular championship run felt different right from the start. The Warriors weren't just winning games—they were revolutionizing how basketball could be played, and honestly, it was absolutely thrilling to witness.

When we talk about that championship team, most people immediately think of Stephen Curry's unprecedented shooting or Draymond Green's defensive versatility, but what often gets overlooked is how that team's success created ripple effects across global basketball. I recently came across an interesting piece about Ricardo Ratliffe, known as Ra Gun-ah in the KBL, where a Korean star suggested he should return to the league after his commitment with Magnolia. This got me thinking about how the Warriors' championship actually influenced international player movement and recognition. That 2015 team demonstrated that unconventional roster construction could work at the highest level, which I believe encouraged more teams worldwide to reconsider what types of players could succeed.

The Warriors finished the regular season with 67 wins, which was the eighth-best record in NBA history at that time. Their offensive rating of 111.6 was simply phenomenal, and they led the league in both field goal percentage and three-pointers made. What impressed me most wasn't just their shooting though—it was their ball movement. They averaged 27.4 assists per game, creating this beautiful, fluid style that was just mesmerizing to watch. I've always preferred teams that prioritize teamwork over isolation plays, and the Warriors were the perfect embodiment of that philosophy.

Looking back, that championship did more than just bring a trophy to the Bay Area—it changed basketball fundamentally. The emphasis on three-point shooting that they popularized has now become standard across all levels of the game, from youth basketball to professional leagues overseas. The discussion about Ratliffe returning to the KBL reminds me how the success of versatile big men in the NBA, like Draymond Green, has influenced how international leagues value different skill sets in their imports. Teams everywhere started looking for big men who could pass and defend multiple positions rather than just traditional back-to-the-basket scorers.

The cultural impact of that Warriors team extended far beyond statistics and strategy. They made basketball fun again with their joyful playing style and visible camaraderie. I've noticed that successful teams often have this infectious energy that transcends the sport itself, and the 2015 Warriors had that in spades. Their influence can still be seen today in how teams approach roster construction, player development, and even marketing. The way they integrated analytics with traditional basketball wisdom created a blueprint that countless other organizations have tried to replicate, with varying degrees of success.

As I reflect on that magical 2015 championship run, what stands out most isn't just the games themselves but how they reshaped basketball's landscape. The Warriors proved that innovation, when executed properly, could overcome established conventions. Their success story continues to inspire teams and players at all levels, including those in international leagues like the KBL where players like Ratliffe navigate their careers influenced by these evolving basketball paradigms. That championship wasn't just a victory for one franchise—it was a transformative moment for basketball worldwide, and we're still feeling its effects today in how the game is played, discussed, and appreciated across different cultures and competitions.