After successful preseason, Golden State Warriors looking to regular season with a point to prove – NBA Feature
The NBA preseason this year has surprised everyone because of the results that have come out of it. Although the preseason is not taken very seriously by NBA teams in the sense that they do not put out their best players in preseason games, and are willing to experiment with their combinations to see what works before the regular season commences. Many of the league’s top players do not play extended minutes in preseason games in order to prevent injuries. In short, the preseason games are just exhibition games where coaches are trying to find their best starting five and getting a first- hand feedback of whatever strategy they have decided to employ over the next season.
Having accepted that, it is still unbelievable to see how well the Golden State Warriors have played in the preseason. The Warriors finished 13th in the Western Conference last season out of a total of 15 teams, with a win loss record of 23-43. They were one of the poorest performing teams in the NBA. However, the Warriors have made a dramatic and unbelievable turnover during the offseason and are looking like a completely different team ahead of the start of the 2012-13 NBA season.
The Warriors won five out of their first six games in the preseason, which included games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers. Their only defeat in the six games came against the Denver Nuggets in a closely contested game. After putting up a spectacular performance in these games, one is forced to ask how this team is playing so well and what does it mean for the future of the franchise.
The key reason for the success of the Warriors in the preseason has been the fact that their players have played to their potential and skills, and have exceeded the expectations placed on them. Golden State is made up of a young core that is capable of taking on any team in the league on their day. Out of all those players, David Lee has been the one who has shined the brightest. A seven year veteran, Lee averaged 18.6 points and 9.4 rebounds for the Warriors after five games, playing more than 30 minutes a game and shooting above 50 percent from the field. He had 24 points in the 101-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on October 19th. Apart from that, he has been performing consistently and helping his team secure victories.
Klay Thompson has been the other notable for the Warriors in the preseason. About to start his sophomore year in the league, Thompson averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the first six games of the preseason, and became one of the most successful players for the Warriors in the preseason. Lee and Thompson both became the core of the team and are the main reason for the wins that the Warriors have secured.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: