As the Golden State Warriors embark on the current NBA season, their 4-1 start is promising, echoing last year’s early success but serving as a cautious reminder of what transpired subsequently. The Warriors’ initial triumph last season quickly turned sour, with the team losing seven of their next eight games, which ultimately led to a premature departure from the Play-In Tournament. This time around, the Warriors are looking to not only replicate their strong start but to sustain it throughout the season.
The Warriors launched the season with a statement, overpowering both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz by a combined 77-point margin, setting a new NBA record in the process. However, the enthusiasm was tempered when they faced the Los Angeles Clippers. During this matchup, Stephen Curry, the linchpin of the team, exited due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Despite this setback, the team rebounded impressively with consecutive victories over the New Orleans Pelicans, who were notably without key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in the second encounter.
The Warriors’ defensive mettle has been a cornerstone of their success thus far, illustrated by their sub-100 defensive rating entering Friday’s play. This defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed by Draymond Green, who has declared his intent to re-enter the Defensive Player of the Year discourse, attributing his motivation to the team's defensive capabilities. "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."
Offensively, the Warriors are orchestrating one of the NBA's most fluid and productive attacks. Leading the league in assists, they have also positioned themselves as a formidable force from beyond the arc, averaging 17.6 made 3-pointers per game—second best in the league. This three-point prowess is further bolstered by Buddy Hield’s exceptional performance. Hield has been relentless, contributing over 21 points per game while hitting an impressive 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from the three-point line per game.
The impending road stretch presents a significant test for the Warriors. They are set to face formidable opponents, with the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder boasting a daunting combined record of 13-1. Upon returning home, the schedule remains unyielding, as the Warriors are set to clash with the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies. It is during this stretch that the true mettle of the Warriors will be tested—a period eerily reminiscent of the previous season, where their promising 5-1 record fell to 6-8.
The Warriors' current campaign is a delicate balance of pushing forward from early success while being mindful of past missteps. The team’s ability to maintain its defensive integrity and offensive fluidity, alongside managing Curry’s health, will be pivotal. Their early success this season offers hope but simultaneously serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and unpredictability inherent in a long NBA season.