Warriors' Rollercoaster: From Strong Start to Struggling Midseason
The Golden State Warriors kicked off their season on an impressive note, capturing the attention of the league with a 12-3 record. However, the once-dominant team has hit a considerable rough patch over the past five weeks, losing 13 of their last 17 games, which translates to a less flattering 4-13 record in that period.
The core of the issue seems to be both an offensive and defensive regression. Once heralded as a fearsome opponent, the Warriors' offense has sadly slumped to becoming the third-worst in the NBA during this challenging stretch. On the defensive end, the numbers have also become grim. They are conceding nearly eight additional points per 100 possessions compared to the beginning of the season, a clear indication of an unraveling defense.
Stephen Curry remains a critical component of the team’s success, yet he described the current state of the team as "very average." His presence is indispensable on the court, highlighted by the offense scoring at an excellent 118 rating with him playing. However, his importance also underscores the concerns when he is absent. Without Curry, the offensive rating plummets to a dismal 99.5.
Head coach Steve Kerr could potentially face sleepless nights as the team holds precariously onto the last play-in spot in the Western Conference. Any hopes of making deep postseason runs seem to hinge not only on maintaining their standing but regaining the dynamism that once led them to their strong season start.
Struggles Behind the Arc and Unmet Expectations
The Warriors' proficiency from beyond the arc has also taken a hit, recently slipping to 23rd in the league’s 3-point shooting ranks. This is a noticeable decline from when they were the league's fourth-best in that category during their initial surge. Making matters worse, Dennis Schroder—a key player expected to boost the offense—has struggled significantly, coming in below expectations with an unimpressive shooting accuracy of less than 37% and failing to average more than 12 points per game.
Reflecting on their roster, the Warriors' recent draft decisions have also failed to offer a saving grace. Over the past five years, the team has had three lottery picks, yet none have evolved into a franchise cornerstone that could help navigate through difficult stretches like the current one.
Curry: The Band-Aid Over Deeper Issues
While Curry’s shooting splits of 40/36 and an average of 21.5 points per game provide a reliable contribution, his role might go beyond just scoring. As one source aptly put it, "Curry’s presence is vital, though perhaps functioning as the proverbial band-aid over deeper issues." Given the patterns observed, while Curry elevates the team’s ceiling, there’s an underpinning necessity for a collective resurgence to reach the formerly familiar heights of success.
Trade Winds and Future Prospects
As trade rumors swirl in the league, Warriors fans wishing for an influx of talent like Jimmy Butler or Brandon Ingram might need to temper their expectations. These high-profile acquisitions seem unlikely, placing even more emphasis on the current roster’s ability to turn their fate around.
The Warriors find themselves at a pivotal juncture this season. With the league moving towards its middle stretch, the time to reassess strategies and recalibrate has never been more urgent. For a team that has long been associated with offensive brilliance and a championship-winning culture, this moment of adversity is a stern test of resolve and unity.