The Golden State Warriors have started the current NBA season with a promising 4-1 record, a strong opening reminiscent of last year when they began 5-1. Yet, the fans of the Warriors are cautious, recalling how quickly that early success spiraled into a seven-loss slump over the next eight games, ultimately culminating in a disappointing early exit from the Play-In Tournament. This season presents a familiar crossroads, albeit one imbued with the lessons of their past missteps.
Opening with electrifying victories against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, the Warriors did not just win; they dominated, setting a new NBA record with a combined 77-point margin across those two games. However, the team faced a setback with a loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that also saw the exit of Stephen Curry due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. His health remains a pivotal concern for a team aspiring for consistency.
The Warriors rebounded swiftly with back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Pelicans. While the victories were decisive, it was important to note the depleted Pelicans roster, missing significant contributors like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones during the latter matchup. Nevertheless, these games highlighted the Warriors' burgeoning defensive identity, underscored by their sub-100 defensive rating, a marker of elite performance in the league.
Draymond Green, never one to shy away from the spotlight, has been a vocal embodiment of this defensive surge. "Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess, expressing to Tim Kawakami his desire to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions." This recharged focus from Green is emblematic of a broader team ethos that emphasizes not just flash, but grit.
Offensively, the Warriors are making a mark as well. They lead the league in assists, reinforcing a style of play defined by selflessness and fluid ball movement. This dynamic is complemented by their impressive shooting from beyond the arc, ranking second in the league with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. A significant part of this outside shooting prowess comes from Buddy Hield, who contributes more than 21 points per game while maintaining a remarkable 50% from his nearly 10 three-point attempts per game.
The road ahead presents challenges that could define the narrative of the Warriors' season. Upcoming road games against the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder—teams boasting a staggering combined record of 13-1—offer a litmus test of their resilience and championship aspirations. Upon returning home, the Warriors will be tested further with games against formidable Western Conference opponents, the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies.
The memories of last season’s sharp decline from a 5-1 record to 6-8 linger as a cautionary tale. It's a narrative Golden State is determined not to relive. Yet, with such a strong foundation in place and a renewed sense of defensive intensity, as illustrated by Green and evidenced by their early performances, the Warriors aim not just to stutter but to surge forward into the conversation of title contenders.