As the new NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors are eager to rewrite the script that saw their promising start unravel last year. With a current record of 4-1, reminiscent of their 5-1 start last season, the Warriors are navigating familiar waters but are determined to avoid a repeat of the slide that followed. Last season's early success was followed by a stretch where they dropped seven of the next eight games, eventually leading to an early exit from the Play-In Tournament. This year, the team is setting its sights on a different trajectory.
To kick off the season, the Warriors not only defeated the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz but did so in historic fashion. Their combined 77-point margin in the first two games set a new NBA record, establishing a formidable presence from the outset. However, their momentum was briefly halted by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that saw star player Stephen Curry exit due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Curry's absence has been felt, yet the Warriors have shown resilience.
In Curry's absence, the Warriors managed to secure consecutive victories against the New Orleans Pelicans, both at home, despite also missing Andrew Wiggins and De'Anthony Melton. These wins were not without their challenges, as the Pelicans were themselves undermanned, missing key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second matchup. Nonetheless, these triumphs showcased Golden State's depth and ability to compete without their full roster.
Defensively, the Warriors have been notably strong, entering Friday's play with a defensive rating under 100.0—an indicator of their ability to clamp down on opponents. Veteran 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. This drive from Green may serve as a catalyst for the Warriors to maintain their defensive intensity throughout the season.
On the offensive end, Golden State has been just as impressive. They've been leading the league in assists, an attribution to their renowned ball movement and unselfish play, while ranking second only to the Boston Celtics with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. Buddy Hield has been a standout, contributing over 21 points per game and hitting 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from the three-point line per game, providing a reliable scoring option for the Warriors.
The road ahead for the Warriors includes a challenging stretch of road games against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. These teams have combined for an imposing 13-1 record so far, suggesting tough tests for Golden State. Upon returning home, they face formidable opponents in the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, presenting further opportunities to judge their playoff aspirations.
Last season's promising start proved to be a precursor to inconsistency. A similar initial flourish this season is charged with the hope that lessons have been learned. With Curry's return pending and the team's current form showing promise, the Warriors seem equipped to navigate the obstacles ahead. As they aim to avoid a repeat of their record plummeting from 5-1 to 6-8 in mere weeks, the Warriors’ resilience and adaptability will be vital in translating their strong start into sustainable success.