Many Warriors fans have pondered the same question — under current leadership and skill, can they make up for their recent catastrophic losses? The 2024 season was a trying time. Can it simply be sewn up as a rough patch, or is it a precursor to a potential decline for the seven-time champion team?
On March 4, 2024, the Warriors traveled to the TD Garden stadium to face off against the Boston Celtics. Two years prior, both teams made it to the 2022 Finals, with the Warriors taking the win home 4-2. There was undeniably tension all season long, and unfortunately, the Warriors crumbled under this pressure. The game was concluded far before it began; record numbers flowed in starting with Stephen Curry only making four points the entire game. The game ended 88-140, the Celtics sweeping the court much to the surprise and shock of both fans and the Warriors themselves. In later remarks, head coach Steve Kerr said, “I’m not concerned. We’re going to flush this down the toilet.”
Secondly, beloved player Klay Thompson was traded this summer after accepting a contract with the Dallas Mavericks. It’s widely reported that his decision was also influenced by his poor performance this season, namely in 3-pointers. He averaged 3.5 three-pointers a game.
Another question that arises is whether or not the team will be able to effectively work together. Past examples of their lack of cohesion include off-court skirmishes with Draymond Green, a concern for many fans this year. Historically, Green has had physical contact with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, head-locked Rudy Gobert, and punched Jordan Poole in the face. Many suspect Klay’s decision to leave was influenced by this, and Jordan Poole sabotaged the 2022-2023 season due to lingering sourness.
Statistically speaking, the Warriors are in a delicate position. They’re the 10th seed in the West, an astronomical number considering they were the 3rd seed only two years ago. According to Statmuse, the Warriors’ winning percentage was 0.561 or 56%, and it’s projected that’s also their chance of ranking 10th seed or lower by the end of the year. Adih Datta (9) shares how the Warriors could advance this season; “I think [with] their depth, they could go higher, with Kyle Anderson as well.”
On the upside, Buddy Hield will join the Warriors this season, to many people’s glee. He’s coming as a shooting guard, immediately replacing the role Klay Thompson had. Statmuse again provides that he averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in the 23-24 season.
“I think he brings spacing, shooting, and extra scoring that they need,” Datta said. “[Be]cause they didn’t have that spacing last season, and it was just out of place for everybody.” Hield’s arrival to the team brings confidence that the Warriors have a chance to lock down on small problems.
Steve Kerr represented Team USA during Paris 2024 and received gold as head coach. The San Francisco Chronicle continued praising the Hall of Famer, saying he would only go home, “win or fail.” Many regard this moment as an opportunity for the Warriors to regain their place in the NBA, under a widely adored coach.
Additionally, Rudy Gobert and Karl Anthony-Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves had problems with each other, creating a gap in their team. Last season, the team, including seven-foot giants Gobert and Towns, pulled together and stole 1st seed in the west for a time, ending as the third seed. A question is then posed for the Warriors; will they be able to work together and rise to the top? Recent afflictions of the Warriors are generally centered on a lack of responsiveness, from member to member.
The Warriors franchise is considered one of the most adept teams in the NBA. Fans all over the Bay Area and nationally, put confidence in this team to impress them season after season. Hundreds of students at Monte Vista adore this team, and look up to them. Youth teams including Monte Vista’s own find guidance in the professional playing field the Warriors promise. Can the Warriors continue to be a source of inspiration for Monte Vista and the Bay? With all things considered, will the Warriors fight back this year?
