The Golden State Warriors are on a roll, finding their stride and gaining momentum in the NBA. With a current record of 26-25, they have climbed back above .500 for the first time since December 23rd. Their recent five-game winning streak is the longest they have had all season, and they have also managed to win three consecutive road games by at least 20 points, a feat they have only achieved once before in franchise history.
While the Warriors are pleased with their recent success, they remain grounded and understand that there is still a lot of work to be done. Currently sitting at the 10th seed in the competitive Western Conference, they are just 1.5 games ahead of the Utah Jazz. The team's star guard, Stephen Curry, acknowledges that they haven't accomplished anything significant yet, emphasizing the need to stay focused and continue pushing forward.
However, there seems to be a tangible turning point for the Warriors that has contributed to their recent surge. One key factor lies in the unexpected suspension of forward Draymond Green. While Green maintains that he didn't want to be suspended, he believes that it ended up serving as a catalyst for the team's improvement. His absence forced the Warriors to explore new strategies and rotations, leading to the discovery of different offensive options that have been effective.
Green’s suspension created an opportunity for third-year forward Jonathan Kuminga to step into the starting lineup, a role he has embraced since then. According to Green, Kuminga's emergence has been a game-changer for the team, solidifying him as a reliable second option behind Curry. Kuminga's consistent performance has been instrumental in the Warriors' recent success, as he has scored in double figures for a career-high 31 consecutive games.
In addition to Kuminga's impact, the Warriors have also introduced rookies Brandin Podziesmki and Trayce Jackson-Davis into their rotation. These young additions, along with the return of Green, have helped reshape the team's offense and defense. Golden State now has a deeper bench, allowing them to try different combinations and seamlessly integrate different players into their game plan.
Speaking of game plans, Curry has been on fire lately, averaging nine three-pointers per game over the last three games. This impressive statistic further solidifies his position as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Additionally, Green's return has been a significant boost to the team's defense, elevating their ranking from 28th to 4th in the league.
Acting head coach Kenny Atkinson attributes the Warriors' resurgence to the collective efforts of the team throughout the season, rather than a single definitive moment. However, he emphasizes the importance of young players like Kuminga breaking through their development ceiling and contributing in impactful ways.
With a deep and healthier roster, the Warriors are feeling confident heading into the remainder of the season. They understand that their recent success has been a result of their collective efforts and the integration of new strategies and players into their game plan. While there is still a long way to go, the Golden State Warriors are riding the wave of a five-game winning streak and are ready to take on any challenges that come their way.
