As the new NBA season unfolds, the Golden State Warriors have taken their initial strides with a promising start, holding a 4-1 record. Yet, while fans revel in the back-to-back victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and set eyes on the upcoming challenges, echoes of last year’s early successes still linger, reminding many of the fragility of such early momentum. Indeed, the Warriors' previous season began equally promising at 5-1, before tumbling into a string of losses that eventually culminated in an early Play-In Tournament exit. The Bay Area faithful are all too aware of the potential for history to repeat itself.
After delivering emphatic wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz—setting a new NBA record with a staggering 77-point combined margin—the Warriors faced a setback against the Los Angeles Clippers where Stephen Curry left the court due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Despite this temporary blow, the Warriors demonstrated resilience by sweeping the Pelicans in a two-game series where New Orleans was notably shorthanded, missing key players like Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second matchup.
Integral to the Warriors' current success is their stalwart defense, boasting a defensive rating under 100.0. Draymond Green, a defensive stalwart himself, has taken inspiration from the team's prowess on this end of the court. Speaking with Tim Kawakami, Green expressed a renewed determination: "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." Such commitment from Green suggests not only a personal return to form but also a cohesive team strategy focused on defense.
Offensively, the Warriors have also made a mark by leading the league in assists and ranking second with an average of 17.6 made 3-pointers per game. This dual-threat approach emphasizes both their playmaking capabilities and their long-range shooting prowess, with Buddy Hield being a standout contributor. Hield is averaging over 21 points per game, connecting on 50% of his nearly 10 three-point attempts per game, underscoring the team’s depth and skill from beyond the arc.
As the Warriors prepare for a road trip, the challenges intensify. Their itinerary includes games against formidable opponents like Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City—a daunting lineup with a combined record of 13-1. Each matchup presents a significant test for the Warriors, potentially determining whether they can maintain their strong start or if they’re doomed to repeat last season's pitfalls, when they plummeted from a 5-1 record to a disappointing 6-8.
A return home will not offer much reprieve either, as the Warriors are set to face the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams have shown formidable form, with the Mavericks in particular boasting an explosive roster that could pose serious defensive challenges for Golden State.
In light of these forthcoming hurdles, the Warriors’ persistence and adaptability will be crucial. Their quest to avoid the missteps of last year is evident in their early performance, embodying a blend of tenacious defense and sharpshooting. Leadership from seasoned players like Green, combined with the emergence of new or returning contributors, could spell the difference in a season rife with potential yet shadowed by the past.