As the Golden State Warriors progress through the early stages of the NBA season, they currently boast a record of 4-1. This resurgence is reminiscent of last season, where they started strong with a 5-1 record, yet fell victim to a mid-season slump that saw them lose seven of the next eight games. That downturn ultimately contributed to their premature exit from the Play-In Tournament. This season's challenge remains clear: maintain momentum and build on the groundwork they've laid.
The Warriors opened the season with a statement, decimating the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz with a combined 77-point margin, setting a new NBA record. These early victories were marred slightly by a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that also saw Stephen Curry forced to the sidelines with a peroneal strain in his left ankle. Despite this setback, the team's resolve was evident, securing back-to-back wins against the New Orleans Pelicans. Notably, the Pelicans were without key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in their second encounter.
The Warriors' success is not without merit; their defense has been formidable, entering Friday's play with a defensive rating under 100.0. Such defensive strength has seemingly ignited Draymond Green's passion, telling Tim Kawakami of his renewed ambition: "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 have embraced a team-centric approach, leading the league in assists and exhibiting a potent perimeter game, averaging 17.6 made three-pointers per game—second-best in the league. Contributing significantly to this offensive dynamism is Buddy Hield, whose sharpshooting delivers over 21 points per game, with an impressive 50% conversion rate from nearly 10 three-point attempts per game. Hield's consistency from beyond the arc has become a cornerstone of their attacking strategy.
The road ahead, however, poses a formidable challenge. The Warriors are set to embark on a road trip facing teams with an imposing combined record of 13-1: the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder. These matchups will test the Warriors’ resilience and depth as they navigate this taxing stretch. Upon their return, they are slated to confront the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies at home, adding to the intensity of their schedule.
The Warriors’ narrative this season is one of redemption and resilience. An iteration of their theme from last year, their current focus lies on sustaining their momentum and ensuring their early promise does not dissipate as it did previously. With key players like Draymond Green fueled by defensive success and a roster capable of delivering balanced contributions, there is a cautious optimism about the Warriors' potential to not only match but exceed last season’s early successes. Whether this resolve will carry them through the inevitable trials of a grueling NBA season remains to be seen, but for now, the Warriors are poised and intent on rewriting their script.