As the NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors have carved an impressive path with a 4-1 record. This promising start has reignited hopes among fans, particularly after last season’s early stumble. The Warriors began the previous year with a commendable 5-1, only to relinquish their momentum with seven losses in their next eight games, leading to an unfortunate early exit from the Play-In Tournament. Whether this season will flip the script remains a question, but the current trajectory fuels optimism.
The Warriors kicked off their campaign in commanding fashion, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz with a combined 77-point margin, setting a new NBA record. This assertive play demonstrated their offensive capabilities and set the league on alert. However, the team hit a minor snag when they faced the Los Angeles Clippers, who handed them their first defeat. This game was particularly concerning as Stephen Curry exited with a peroneal strain in his left ankle, raising questions about the team's ability to maintain momentum without their star player.
Despite this setback, the Warriors bounced back with consecutive victories against the New Orleans Pelicans at home. It's worth noting that the Pelicans were without several key players, including Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones during their second matchup, possibly skewing the results in Golden State's favor. Nevertheless, these wins were crucial in sustaining their strong start and building confidence moving forward.
Heading into a challenging road stretch, the Warriors face a daunting task with matchups against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams boast a combined record of 13-1, presenting an opportunity for Golden State to test its mettle against some of the league’s top competition. Upon their return home, encounters with the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies will further demand their best performances.
On the defensive end, the Warriors have shown significant improvement, entering Friday’s games with a defensive rating below 100.0. This marks a positive shift from last season and has caught the attention of Draymond Green. Enthusiastic about his team's defensive prowess, Green expressed to Tim Kawakami his renewed ambition to factor into the Defensive Player of the Year discussions. This motivation could be pivotal in sustaining the Warriors' defensive edge as the season progresses.
Moreover, the Warriors are excelling in facilitating play, leading the league in assists. Their dedication to team play is further evidenced by their efficiency beyond the arc, ranking second in the league with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. Complementing this is Buddy Hield’s remarkable contribution, averaging over 21 points per game and a striking 50% success rate from nearly 10 three-point attempts per game. His sharpshooting has been instrumental in their offensive scheme, providing the spacing and firepower necessary to compete at the highest level.
Every season unfolds with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the Warriors face an arduous path ahead, their blend of defensive tenacity, offensive firepower, and collective resilience sets a foundation for success. The lessons from last season’s premature downturn likely linger, serving as both a caution and a stimulant for their competitive drive. As fans and analysts watch closely, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining if this Warriors team can sustain its early-season momentum and reestablish itself as a championship contender.