For the first time since 2021, the Golden State Warriors finished the preseason undefeated. Later that season, Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr hoisted their fourth Larry O'Brien Trophy, after defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
This preseason, the Warriors bested the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings twice, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers twice.
The Warriors' roster is far removed from their successful 2021-22 campaign, with key players Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Andre Iguodala all either retired or playing for other teams now. However, the nucleus of Curry is still in town and producing at a high level. Golden State seems to have surrounded him with complementary talent in Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson. Sophomores Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski also look ready to contribute, and Draymond Green, assuming he can stay on the court, is a vocal leader.
The Warriors finished the preseason 6-0 and are the only undefeated team. In a loaded Western Conference, it's unlikely that Golden State will be able to finish above the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Denver Nuggets, but if they can avoid the Play-In Tournament and make the playoffs outright, they will be a dangerous team led by one of the best players to ever step on a basketball court.
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The Warriors understand that they need to ride their momentum into the regular season. Hield, a long admirer of Golden State, is now working to get them back to the promised land.
"Once you have a good start, they are always being effective," he said before his first preseason game with the team.