For fans and analysts keeping a close eye on the Golden State Warriors’ progress this season, there’s an air of optimism mixed with caution. With a strong start, the Warriors boast a 4-1 record, reminiscent of their 5-1 inception last season. Yet, history offers a lesson in prudence, as their previous run was a precursor to a challenging stretch, where they slumped to 6-8 and eventually tumbled out of the Play-In Tournament.
The Warriors kicked off this season in spectacular fashion, with commanding wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. A dazzling 77-point combined victory margin in these initial games etched a new record in the NBA. However, momentum took a slight dip as the Warriors fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that was marked by the exit of their talismanic guard Stephen Curry due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. The team quickly rebounded with consecutive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans, albeit against a backdrop where the Pelicans were missing key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones during their second encounter.
Despite the mixed results, the Warriors' early defensive authority has been a standout trait, with the team entering this Friday's games boasting a defensive rating under 100.0. This defensive tenacity has not only been an advantage on the court but has also reignited the spirit of veteran Draymond Green. Green expressed to journalist Tim Kawakami his renewed motivation, underscoring a revived ambition, "Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess, expressing...his desire to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions."
Beyond defense, the Warriors have efficiently orchestrated their offense, leading the league with their assist numbers. Their prowess extends to the perimeter, where they rank second with an impressive average of 17.6 made three-pointers per game. Such offensive dynamics are catalyzed by sharp-shooters like Buddy Hield, who contributes over 21 points per game with exceptional accuracy, hitting 50% of his numerous attempts from beyond the arc.
However, the Warriors’ road ahead is far from straightforward. Their upcoming stretch involves challenging road games against strong opponents such as Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City, teams that collectively exhibit a robust 13-1 record. The Warriors' return to their home court heralds no respite, as they face formidable foes in the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite the renewed hopes and a promising start, there is an underlying wariness inherent in the Warriors’ camp. The memory of last season's rapid decline from a strong start serves as a cautionary tale. It remains to be seen if this iteration of the Warriors can sustain their high-level play and navigate through the challenges that lie ahead to shape a successful season.