The Golden State Warriors find themselves on a promising trajectory this season, boasting a 4-1 record out of the gate. This start mirrors last season’s 5-1 opening, but the team and fans alike are wary of repeating past mistakes, as last year’s rapid decline proved costly. The Warriors dropped seven of the next eight games into last season, ultimately leading to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament.
Despite the cautionary tale of last season, there is justified optimism surrounding the Warriors, as their current performance showcases their potential strength. The season began with back-to-back victories against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, with an impressive combined 77-point margin, setting a new NBA record for the opening games.
However, the Warriors faced a setback with a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, during which Stephen Curry, one of the team’s cornerstones, exited due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Yet, the team bounced back quickly, securing two consecutive victories against the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s worth noting that the Pelicans were missing several key players, including Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum, in the second matchup.
The Warriors currently boast a defensive rating under 100.0, a testament to their solid defensive capabilities early this season. Their defensive tenacity has inspired veteran player Draymond Green, who expressed his aspiration to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions, saying to Tim Kawakami his desire for recognition is fueled by the team’s defensive prowess.
Beyond defensive strength, the Warriors are excelling offensively. They lead the league in assists, demonstrating exceptional team play and coordination. Furthermore, the Warriors' efficiency from beyond the arc ranks them second in the league with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. This offensive efficacy is bolstered by contributions from Buddy Hield, who is averaging over 21 points per game and hitting 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from the three-point line.
Nonetheless, the road ahead presents formidable challenges, with upcoming away games against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City, who collectively boast a 13-1 record. These matchups provide a rigorous test of the Warriors' early-season form and their ability to sustain momentum.
Following this taxing road trip, the Warriors will return home to meet the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies. These encounters will be crucial in determining whether the Warriors can maintain their standing and avoid the pitfalls experienced last season, where their promising 5-1 record quickly unraveled to 6-8.
As the Warriors aim to solidify their position as contenders, the blend of high-caliber defense and prolific offense will be instrumental. By learning from last season’s downturn, they strive to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Whether they can do so rests on maintaining the balance between inspiration, resilience, and tactical execution in the games to come.