As the Golden State Warriors charge into the current NBA season, the team's promising start has reignited hopes among fans and analysts alike. Boasting a 4-1 record, the Warriors are showing the dynamism reminiscent of their championship-contending years. However, the road to success is fraught with challenges, as the team remains mindful of last season's early ups and downs.
In the previous season, the Warriors started strong with a 5-1 record, only to experience a disappointing slump, losing seven of their next eight games. This setback ultimately contributed to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament, a scenario the team is keen to avoid this time around. The memory of last year’s unraveling still seems fresh, though the Warriors are exuding a renewed sense of resilience.
This season commenced with statement wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, where the Warriors set a new NBA record with a combined 77-point margin over the two games. However, their third game was less gratifying as they suffered a setback against the Los Angeles Clippers. To add to their woes, Stephen Curry, a central figure in the team’s ethos, exited the game due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle, casting a momentary shadow over the team’s early brilliance.
Responding to this challenge, the Warriors secured back-to-back victories over the New Orleans Pelicans, though it's worth noting that the Pelicans were missing key players like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second matchup. Despite benefiting from a depleted opponent, these wins have showcased the Warriors’ capacity to capitalize on opportunities, maintaining their league-leading defensive rating under 100.0.
Integral to the Warriors’ success this season is their exceptional ball movement. They are leading the league in assists and rank second with an average of 17.6 made three-pointers per game, underscoring their offensive spark. Yet, individual contributions have also played a significant role. Buddy Hield is making waves, contributing over 21 points per game and hitting 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from the three-point line per game, a testament to his value in the current lineup.
The Warriors’ upcoming road games present a daunting challenge with matchups against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City, teams with a formidable combined record of 13-1. This stretch will be an acid test for Golden State, necessitating peak performance levels. Upon returning home, the competition remains stiff with the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies on the horizon.
Amidst the tactical and physical facets of the game, the Warriors’ renewed vigor can be attributed partly to seasoned veteran Draymond Green. His performance and motivation have been reinvigorated by the team’s defensive prowess. Green candidly expressed to Tim Kawakami his ambition to reassert himself in the Defensive Player of the Year discussion; "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."
In summary, the Warriors appear keen to forge a different narrative this season. Viewed through the lens of last year's early faltering after a promising start, their current trajectory, coupled with strategic acumen and individual excellence, holds the potential for a sustained push towards postseason success. Ensuring sustained health, particularly for crucial players like Curry, will be pivotal in maintaining their momentum in the upcoming weeks of this nascent season.