The Golden State Warriors' 2023 season has been a tale of two very distinct chapters. Backed by a strong 12-3 start, they seemed poised for yet another dominant season. However, a steep decline followed, with the team dropping 13 out of their last 17 games. This has resulted in a concerning 4-13 record over the past five weeks. The Warriors now find themselves desperately clinging to the last play-in spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
The Warriors' offensive slump has seen them plummet to the third-worst in the league, a sharp contrast to their early season form. The absence of a consistent shooting touch has contributed to their woes, particularly beyond the arc. Once the league's fourth-best 3-point shooting team, they now rank 23rd in this category. The dip is reflected in Dennis Schroder's performance, who hasn't exceeded 37% shooting accuracy and averages only 12 points per game.
Defensively, the Warriors have shown vulnerability by conceding nearly eight additional points per 100 possessions compared to earlier in the season. Their defensive lapses have put extra pressure on their struggling offense to find form.
Curry: The Essential, Yet Insufficient Piece
Stephen Curry's contribution remains pivotal, yet he seems to be functioning as the proverbial band-aid over deeper issues within the team. Golden State's offense scores at a lucrative 118 rating with Curry on the floor, underscoring his critical impact. However, this sharply drops to a mere 99.5 rating when he's not playing, a testament to his indispensable presence.
Curry's recent shooting statistics, presenting as 40/36 with an average of 21.5 points per game, echo his description of the Warriors' performance as "very average." His self-assessment reveals the level of expectation that he sets for himself and his team.
The Search for Cornerstone Talent
The Warriors' roster construction strategy over the years has included the hope of finding a franchise cornerstone through the draft. However, despite having three lottery picks in the past five seasons, such a player has yet to emerge. Instead, the team has depended heavily on veteran players to drive performance, an area of concern considering their current struggles.
Trade Talks and Future Prospects
With the trade deadline looming, speculation about potential trades has surrounded the team. Names like Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram have been floated in discussions, yet such moves are not expected to materialize, leaving the Warriors to look within to address their issues.
As the Warriors aim to stabilize and regain their footing in the Western Conference, they must address these multifaceted challenges head-on. Their success will hinge on revitalizing both offensive and defensive strategies while optimizing Curry's impact across the board. Solving their current issues could well determine whether their story is one of redemption or regret in this roller-coaster season.