As the new NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors find themselves off to an encouraging start, holding a record of 4-1. This promising beginning is reminiscent of last season when they raced to a 5-1 start, only to falter by losing seven of the subsequent eight games. The result was a disappointing early exit from the Play-In Tournament, a fate they are keen to avoid repeating.
Their current campaign has been highlighted by decisive victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, resulting in an astonishing combined 77-point margin, setting a new league record for the first two games of the season. However, the Warriors stumbled against the Los Angeles Clippers in a game that saw star player Stephen Curry sustain a peroneal strain to his left ankle, forcing him to exit early.
Despite Curry's injury, the Warriors bounced back decisively, clinching consecutive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans. These victories were aided by the absence of key Pelicans players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in their second matchup, allowing the Warriors to showcase their depth and resilience.
On the defensive end, the Warriors are making significant strides, entering Friday's play with an impressive defensive rating of under 100.0. This strong defensive performance has inspired veteran player Draymond Green, who has articulated his renewed ambition to become a contender in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions. "Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess," he shared with Tim Kawakami, highlighting his motivation and drive stemming from the team's cohesive defense.
Offensively, the Warriors' fluid ball movement has also drawn attention, as they lead the league in assists. Their outside shooting has been potent, with the team ranking second in the league with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. This offensive firepower is bolstered further by Buddy Hield, who is averaging over 21 points per game and converting an impressive 50% of his nearly ten attempts from beyond the arc each game, adding a lethal edge to the team's offensive arsenal.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a challenging road trip against formidable opponents: Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams boast a combined record of 13-1, presenting a genuine test of the Warriors' mettle and consistency. Upon returning home, the Warriors will take on the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, possibly with added pressure if Curry's injury persists.
The early success, reminiscent of last season, keeps fans cautiously optimistic. This year's Warriors appear more equipped, both mentally and physically, to sustain their early momentum. However, the specter of last season's mid-campaign collapse looms large, reminding the Warriors of the imperative to maintain focus and resilience throughout this grueling league schedule.
With seasoned players stepping up and the team's defensive tenacity bolstering their confidence, the Warriors aim to carve a different trajectory from last season's pitfalls. As they move forward, it will be crucial for the Warriors to navigate these challenges while keeping their sights firmly set on a return to the postseason and the success that has become synonymous with the Golden State franchise.