The Golden State Warriors have kicked off their NBA season with an impressive 4-1 record, raising hopes of a return to form after last year’s disappointing performance. Their early season prowess is already drawing comparisons to their initial success in the last campaign when they started 5-1, only to falter dramatically soon after, leading to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament. This time, however, the Warriors seem determined to maintain their momentum.
The Warriors set a new NBA record with a combined 77-point margin in their opening victories against the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. This explosive start showcases a team that might have learned from the stumbles of the past. Unfortunately, a setback came when they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, during which superstar Stephen Curry suffered a peroneal strain in his left ankle. The health of Curry remains a concern, as his performance is often a barometer for the team's success.
A Defensive Resurgence
The Warriors have been excelling defensively, entering recent play with a defensive rating under 100.0, an impressive feat in today's high-scoring NBA landscape. It's this defensive fortitude that has inspired Draymond Green. "Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess," recalling his conversation with Tim Kawakami about his ambition "to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions." Green's motivation could be a crucial factor in maintaining and boosting the Warriors' defense this season.
The Warriors also demonstrated offensive capability, leading the league in assists and ranking second in average made three-pointers per game. This balanced approach underscores a collective effort, highlighting contributions beyond just their stars.
Adversaries and Challenges
In their recent encounters with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors captured consecutive wins at home. The Pelicans were noticeably undermanned, missing several key players including Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second matchup. While the wins were important, the Warriors will face stiffer tests as they proceed into the heart of the season.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a challenging road schedule that includes games against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. The formidable combined record of these teams, at 13-1, underscores the difficulty of this upcoming stretch. Performance in these games could provide a clearer picture of the Warriors' true conditions this year.
The Road Forward
Upon returning to home court, the Warriors will battle the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, two additional obstacles in a schedule stacked with tough competition. Last season, the Warriors saw their strong start crumble as their record dropped to 6-8 soon after their 5-1 start. Avoiding a repeat slide will be critical.
Contributions from new and existing players will be vital. Buddy Hield’s impressive performance, featuring over 21 points per game and a sharp 50% shooting rate from beyond the arc, illustrates the depth that will be necessary to sustain success over a grueling season.
The following weeks will test the Warriors’ ability to overcome adversity and build upon their early successes. If they can maintain their current form, particularly in defense as Green aspires, a return to postseason relevance seems well within reach. The foundation laid in these opening games is promising; now it's a matter of sustaining it against an NBA landscape brimming with competition and challenges.