With the NBA season in full swing, the Golden State Warriors are off to a strong start, boasting a 4-1 record. This promising opening echoes last season's early success, when the Warriors began 5-1, only to suffer a major setback by dropping seven of the subsequent eight games. A downward spiral last season resulted in an early exit during the Play-In Tournament, marking a clear lesson for the Warriors as they set their sights on maintaining momentum this time around.
The Warriors have impressively defeated both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz, setting a new NBA record with a combined 77-point margin in those first two games. However, they stumbled against the Los Angeles Clippers, a game marred by the exit of star player Stephen Curry due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Despite this setback, the Warriors found their footing with two consecutive victories over the New Orleans Pelicans, capitalizing on a roster absent of key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in their second contest.
As this season progresses, a central theme for the Warriors is their defensive prowess. They entered Friday’s play with an elite-level defensive rating under 100.0, reflecting their commitment to strong defensive play. This dedication has also prompted veteran Draymond Green to express his aspiration for a return to prominence in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions. Green's motivation is fueled by the team's resurgence in defense, a critical factor in their recent success.
Offensively, the Warriors are leading the league in assists, showcasing their dynamic ball movement and team cohesion. They rank second in the NBA, making an average of 17.6 three-pointers per game, highlighting their potent perimeter attack. Buddy Hield has been a significant contributor, providing over 21 points per game and impressively hitting 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from beyond the arc.
However, challenges loom on the horizon as the Warriors prepare for a challenging road stretch. Upcoming away games against the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder present formidable opposition, with these teams collectively holding a stunning 13-1 record. Upon returning home, the Warriors face the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, ensuring their path remains fraught with high-level competition.
As the season unfolds, the Warriors hope to avoid the pitfalls experienced last year, charting a more consistent course that combines offensive firepower with a staunch defensive approach. Their early form and strategic adaptations suggest that the lessons of last season have not gone unheeded, offering fans and analysts alike an intriguing glimpse into what could be a transformative year for the Warriors.