Unbeaten in 10 games, are the Warriors realistic championship contenders?
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors would be a chasing a couple of records along with their 11th straight win as they visit the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
If they beat Deron Williams and his star studded injured company at home, they not only would tying the franchise record of most number of consecutive wins but also will be remembered as the only team ever to go undefeated on a road trip consisting of 7 games or more.
Remove any one of these players and the team won’t be the same yet together they have helped their team outplay their opponents on a nightly basis.
With this new Big 3, there have been others who have contributed to the team’s winning streak but with their current state of the team here’s a report on the current hot team players.
David Lee
David Less plays second fiddle to Curry in the media and news, despite averaging 19.1 points and 10.1 rebounds with an impressive 21 double doubles so far this season in 37 games played.
He has become the Scottie Pippen of this team. His contributions can’t be overlooked yet might not garner the spotlight every time. Without much fuss he has quietly gone about his business each game.
His improved rebounding game is a huge reason why the Warriors are placed second on the rebounds per game among teams in the league with 46.6.
He can beat his man on the drive, post up and throw up a hook or shoot a highly efficient mid-range jumper. His multi offense type of game has been a huge reason behind his consistent production.
Stephen Curry
Enjoying the spotlight-Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry has stolen the spotlight this season and as the season has progressed he is proving each night why his comparisons with 2 time MVP Steve Nash are very legitimate.
Some say it was the exclusion from the All-Star, some say it was the Conference Semi-finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs, well whatever it is, we have certainly a seen a more determined and focused Curry right from the start of the season.
His long range shooting percentage has taken a hit but is still among the league’s best. His turnovers and assists numbers have seen an increment in the right direction. His improved rebounding and steals numbers add the cherry on the cake.
All these attributes coupled with the numerous injuries this season leaves Stephen Curry as arguably the best point guard in the league right now.
His defense and ability to finish around the rim are certainly two aspects of the game he needs to work on but with talent the Warriors have at their disposal it is not time yet to press the emergency button with respects those areas.
Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala brings to the team what they missed last season. His return and the start of this streak coincide showing his importance to the team.
Judging his play and contribution, he seems to be the veteran in the team. However don’t make the mistake of underestimating his importance to the team.
Need a clutch game winner, he’s already done it thrice for the team. Need a guy to defend the best player on the planet, he stepped up to the occasion making LeBron James commit 8 turnovers as the Warriors upset the defending champions at South Beach.
He might not steal the show every night but he certainly has his finger prints on every game and it’s his play that makes the Warriors go.
Klay Thompson and Andrew Bogut
Each of these players, the remaining pair of the starting line-up, contributes to the team on different ends of the floor.
Thompson, one of the Splash Brother duo along with Curry, is an offensive threat anywhere on the court whether its inside or behind the three point arc averaging 45.6% and 41.4% respectively. Together with Curry they have shot more threes than some teams have in the league.
Although Bogut leads the team in field goal percentage, it’s usually a credit to the passes he receives down low rather than some offense of his own that he might have created. Bogut brings toughness to the team. His physical encounter with Blake Griffin on Christmas Day sends a positive energy through the team to not back down.
The Bench
Certainly not anywhere close to the best in the league.
No wonder there have been reports that the Warriors are eying Kirk Hinrich for the role of backup point guard especially because Draymond Green and Toney Douglas together have not been able to contribute as much as Jarret Jack did all by himself last season.
Harrison Barnes’ balanced numbers on the stat sheet indicate him maturing to a player similar to the ones he replaces on the floor-Iguodala.
Jermaine O’Neal has spent more time in a suit than in a jersey and his replacement Marreese Speights not only provides tremendous energy off the bench with his rebounding on the offensive glass but also has the highest PER among the bench players.
Do they have what it takes?
Their heavily dependent on their starters and that could come back to haunt in the post-season, where team depth is a crucial necessity. Bench play is a huge factor in May and June and the Warriors are falling shortly in that category.
Another major setback is they are a team who could fall in love jump shot. Despite Lee’s game, they lack the inside-outside game needed in the Playoffs. They are a streaky team who rely heavily on the jump shot, which could be their own undoing.
Does this mean they are no more legitimate?
By no means, are they out of the race. A few moves to strengthen their bench and we could see the team going deep into the post-season. They are not yet a team who could go head to head with a healthy and motivated Heat in the finals and come out victorious.
Maybe another year but they are strong favorites to win the West.