The Golden State Warriors, known for their scintillating initial run this season with a 12-3 record, now find themselves grappling with a challenging narrative that has unfolded over the past five weeks. The shift in momentum has been palpable as the Warriors have dropped 13 out of their last 17 games, slumping to a 4-13 record during this tumultuous stretch.
Throughout this recent spell of adversity, the Warriors' offense has been a shadow of its former self, descending to the third-worst in the league. The once-formidable offense, which thrived with a stellar 118 rating whenever Stephen Curry took to the court, has seen a dramatic nosedive to a mere 99.5 rating in his absence. This dependency highlights Curry's irreplaceable presence and, as described by those close to the team, may function as "the proverbial band-aid over deeper issues."
As Stephen Curry navigates this difficult period, his own performance has mirrored the team's struggles. His recent shooting splits of 40/36 are a testament to this challenge, with his scoring average anchored at 21.5 points per game. Curry himself has candidly characterized this stretch as "very average," a stark contrast to the brilliance he has often displayed throughout his career.
Defensively, the Warriors are conceding nearly eight more points per 100 possessions compared to earlier games, further compounding their woes. This statistical downturn has seen them plummet to the 23rd spot in the league concerning 3-point shooting, a far cry from their initial standing as the fourth-best in this category.
The predicament facing the Warriors is multi-faceted. The Western Conference standings reveal that they are clinging to the last play-in spot, but stability seems elusive. The hopes of bolstering the roster with high-profile trades involving names like Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram have dimmed, as such maneuvers are not anticipated to materialize. Meanwhile, Dennis Schroder's underwhelming contributions — failing to surpass 37% shooting accuracy or average more than 12 points per game — underscore the challenges of injecting fresh dynamism into the lineup.
Adding to the broader concerns is the draft strategy of the past five years, which, despite yielding three lottery picks, has yet to uncover a true franchise cornerstone. These unsettling facts paint a picture of a team at a crossroads, tasked with navigating a path back to its former heights.
As they stand today, the Warriors' road ahead demands introspection and resilience. The need for strategic adjustments, whether through player development or tactical innovations, is urgent. Only time will tell if the Warriors can recalibrate and reclaim their place among the league's elite. What remains certain is that Stephen Curry's influence is critical — yet he alone cannot ferry this storied franchise back to the top. The Warriors’ faithful will be watching closely as the season progresses, hopeful for a change in fortunes.