As the new NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a familiar yet promising position with a 4-1 record. The Warriors' impressive start echoes last season’s early success, where they quickly jumped to a 5-1 record, only to see that momentum slip away as they faltered in the coming weeks. The memory of dropping seven of the next eight games, ultimately leading to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament, remains fresh. However, this year's team seems intent on charting a different course.
The Warriors opened their campaign with dominating performances against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz, posting a combined 77-point margin—a new NBA record. However, their rhythm was briefly interrupted by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, during which Stephen Curry exited with a peroneal strain in his left ankle, raising concerns about the team's ability to maintain stability without their star guard.
Despite Curry's setback, the Warriors showcased their depth and resilience by securing consecutive wins against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans' roster was notably depleted in the second matchup, missing key players like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. Yet, the Warriors' ability to capitalize on the situation highlights both their opportunism and their tactical flexibility.
A hallmark of this Warriors team has been their exceptional defense, which boasts a rating under 100.0. Their strong defensive performances have been complemented by their offensive prowess, as the team leads the league in assists and ranks second with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. Buddy Hield has been a significant contributor, averaging over 21 points per game and maintaining a 50% success rate from beyond the arc on nearly 10 attempts per game.
Draymond Green, inspired by the team’s stout defense, seems rejuvenated. Sharing his motivations, Green expressed to Tim Kawakami his eagerness to re-enter discussions for the Defensive Player of the Year—a testament to the Warriors’ collective defensive efforts and their impact on individual aspirations. “Draymond Green has apparently been inspired by the team's defensive prowess, expressing to Tim Kawakami his desire to return to relevancy in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions,” attests to both the team’s current form and Green’s personal drive.
The upcoming schedule presents a formidable challenge, with road games against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams collectively boast a formidable 13-1 record, setting the stage for a series of early-season litmus tests for Golden State. Upon their return home, the Warriors will face the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies, adding to the intensity of their early-season gauntlet.
While the Warriors look to learn from the past, their strategic adjustments, highlighted by stellar defense and rapid ball movement, position them confidently against a backdrop of daunting upcoming fixtures. The key will be maintaining consistency where last season they faltered, ensuring their strong start lays the foundation for sustained success, transcending the mere echoes of previous opening streaks.