As the NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors are making swift progress, posting a record of 4-1 in their opening games. This mirrors their previous season’s strong start of 5-1 before things took a turn for the worse. Last season saw the Warriors losing seven of their next eight games, a slump that eventually led to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament. This year, the team looks to avoid a repeat of that downward trajectory.
The Warriors have made a resounding statement early this season, particularly in their opening two games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. They achieved a combined victory margin of 77 points, setting a new NBA record. This formidable start, however, was momentarily halted by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, where their talisman, Stephen Curry, was sidelined with a peroneal strain in his left ankle.
Formidable Defense and Offense
Despite Curry's setback, the Warriors have shown impressive resilience, securing consecutive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans. It is worth noting that the Pelicans played the second matchup without key players like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones, which could have tilted the scales in Golden State's favor.
The Warriors have also demonstrated significant fortitude on defense, boasting a defensive rating of under 100.0 up to Friday's play. This defensive prowess is drawing out the best in players such as Draymond Green. He recently expressed to Tim Kawakami his “desire to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions,” fueled by the team's strong defensive streak.
On the offensive end, the Warriors have excelled in their ball movement, currently leading the league in assists. Their proficiency from beyond the arc sees them ranked second, with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. Buddy Hield, a notable contributor, is averaging over 21 points per game and maintaining a remarkable 50% conversion rate on almost 10 three-point attempts per game.
Tough Road Ahead
Despite their early success, the Warriors' upcoming schedule presents a formidable challenge. Their imminent road trip includes stops at Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City, teams with a combined record of 13-1. These matchups will undoubtedly test the Warriors’ mettle and offer a clearer picture of whether they can sustain their robust start.
Once their road campaign concludes, the Warriors will return to face the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies at home. These games could prove pivotal as Golden State seeks to maintain momentum and distance themselves from the pitfalls of last season’s early slide which saw their record plummet from 5-1 to 6-8 in mere weeks.
In the grand scheme, the Warriors appear poised to capitalize on their early season form. Their blend of experienced leadership, driven by players like Curry and Green, coupled with effective team play, hints at a potential standout season. Yet, as seasoned sports observers know, the NBA is a marathon, not a sprint. The Warriors will need to navigate the inevitable ebbs and flows of the season to achieve their ultimate goal: a deep playoff run and a shot at the championship. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Golden State, observing whether they can convert their early promise into prolonged success.