The Golden State Warriors are off to an impressive start this NBA season, boasting a 4-1 record, a promising contrast to last year’s early 5-1 run that quickly turned sour. Despite initial success in the previous season, the Warriors struggled, dropping seven of the next eight games, which ultimately led to an untimely exit from the Play-In Tournament. This season, however, the team appears determined to rewrite that narrative.
In their opening games, the Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz with a combined 77-point margin, setting a new NBA record. While their win streak was interrupted by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, the incident that garnered the most attention was Stephen Curry’s exit from the game due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. The Warriors, however, bounced back quickly, claiming consecutive victories against the New Orleans Pelicans at home. It's worth noting that the Pelicans were severely undermanned in the second encounter, missing Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones.
The Warriors’ prowess is not confined to their scoring ability; defensively, they have shown significant strength, entering Friday’s games with a defensive rating under 100.0. Their defensive efforts have not gone unnoticed. Draymond Green, inspired by the team's current form, expressed his renewed motivation to return to the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, as shared with Tim Kawakami. Such motivation underscores a rejuvenated team spirit within the Warriors' camp.
Offensively, the Warriors are equally formidable. They are leading the league in assists, showcasing an exceptional level of teamwork and coordination. Additionally, they rank second with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. One of their key contributors to this success is Buddy Hield, who is contributing over 21 points per game while hitting 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from the three-point line.
However, the road ahead is challenging. The Warriors are set to embark on a series of road games against tough opponents: Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams boast a formidable combined record of 13-1. Upon returning to their home turf, the Warriors will face the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, teams capable of posing significant challenges.
The harsh lessons of last season, where the Warriors' promising start faltered as their record fell from 5-1 to 6-8, seem to loom over the current team's consciousness. Yet armed with a renewed sense of purpose and the undeniable talent at their disposal, the Warriors appear poised to stave off similar pitfalls this time around.
As the season progresses, the Warriors will need to maintain their focus, integrate effective defensive strategies, and ensure that key players like Curry remain healthy and productive. The team's aspirations are clear: move beyond the shadows of last season and reassert their position as one of the league's elite. If their initial performances are anything to go by, this season holds promise for a much different outcome.