As the new NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors appear to be reclaiming their position as a formidable force. Boasting a 4-1 record, they are showing signs of a team ready to compete at the highest level. This strong start echoes their performance from last season when they similarly raced to a 5-1 record. However, fans will remember too well how that promising beginning withered, leading to a disheartening series of losses that concluded in an early exit from the Play-In Tournament.
The Warriors began this season with emphatic victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz, securing a staggering combined win margin of 77 points — a new NBA record. Yet, they faced a setback when they played the Los Angeles Clippers. During this game, Stephen Curry was sidelined due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle, casting a shadow on their momentum.
Nevertheless, the Warriors managed to reclaim their stride with consecutive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans, taking advantage of key absences in the Pelicans' lineup, including Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second matchup. This performance was further bolstered by their formidable defense, entering Friday's play with a defensive rating under 100.0 — a testament to their improved play on that end of the court.
Leading the league in assists, the Warriors have been relentless in fostering a style of play famous for its selfless ball movement and precision passing. This brand of basketball is reminiscent of their championship-contending seasons. Their offensive prowess is also evident as they rank second in the league with an average of 17.6 made three-pointers per game, showcasing their proficiency from beyond the arc.
One standout contributor this season is Buddy Hield, who has been on a scoring spree. Averaging over 21 points per game and knocking down 50% of his three-point attempts, Hield’s performance has been a key asset to the team’s success, adding depth to their scoring arsenal.
Despite their promising start, the road ahead presents significant challenges. Their next set of away games includes formidable opponents: Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams collectively hold an impressive 13-1 record, indicating that the Warriors will need to maintain their high level of play to secure victories.
Upon returning to their home court, Golden State will face the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, both eager to test the Warriors' mettle in front of an expectant fan base. These matchups will be critical in determining whether the Warriors can sustain their early-season momentum.
Reflecting on last season’s downfall from 5-1 to 6-8, the Warriors are keenly aware of the pitfalls that can accompany early success. The memory of their slide fuels a determination to maintain focus and intensity, ensuring a different trajectory this year.
Draymond Green, a cornerstone of the Warriors' defensive efforts, is especially motivated by their defensive resurgence. Sharing his renewed focus with Tim Kawakami, Green remarked on his desire to "return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions," underscoring his commitment to anchor Golden State’s defense and inspire his teammates to excel.
As the Warriors navigate this challenging but promising season, their blend of veteran experience, strategic acumen, and youthful energy will be pivotal. With Curry hopefully returning to full health and Green leading the defensive charge, the Warriors aim to not just escape the shadows of last year's shortcomings but to redefine themselves as true contenders once more.