The Golden State Warriors have opened the current NBA season with a promising start, boasting a 4-1 record. This impressive beginning brings a mix of excitement and caution to Warriors fans, given the team's similar start last season, which quickly unraveled into a disappointing slide.
In the previous season, the Warriors kicked off with a 5-1 record, only to lose seven of their next eight games, a decline that eventually cost them an early exit from the Play-In Tournament. This year, however, the Warriors are determined to write a different story. They've already notched up decisive victories against formidable opponents like the Portland Trail Blazers and the Utah Jazz, achieving a combined 77-point margin in those first two games—a feat that set a new NBA record.
One setback came when the Warriors faced the Los Angeles Clippers. During that game, superstar Stephen Curry exited due to a peroneal strain in his left ankle, raising concerns about how the team might fare without their talismanic leader. However, the Warriors quickly bounced back with consecutive wins over the New Orleans Pelicans. Notably, the Pelicans were missing key players such as Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones in their second matchup, undoubtedly making the challenge more manageable for Golden State.
Defense seems to be a cornerstone of this season's strategy for the Warriors, as they entered Friday's play with a defensive rating under 100.0. This stout defense has inspired veteran Draymond Green, who expressed to Tim Kawakami his renewed ambition to return to relevance in the Defensive Player of the Year discussions.
The Warriors are also leading the league in assists, a testament to their fluid offensive plays and teamwork. They rank second in the league for 3-pointers, with an average of 17.6 made per game. Buddy Hield has been a standout performer, contributing over 21 points per game and connecting on 50% of his nearly 10 attempts from beyond the arc each game.
The next challenge for the Warriors lies in their upcoming road games against teams with an impressive combined record of 13-1. Their itinerary includes face-offs against Houston, Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City. Following this demanding road stretch, the Warriors will encounter the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies back home.
The Warriors, well aware of the parallels to last season’s turbulent course, are optimistic yet vigilant. Their focus remains on maintaining momentum past their initial success, avoiding the pitfalls that saw last season's early promise fizzle out. With a strong defense, a prolific offense, and motivated players like Draymond Green, the Warriors are poised to remain a force to reckon with as the season progresses.