Five NBA thoughts after the Golden State Warriors picked up their first win of the season (1-2) in New Orleans
After getting blown out twice by the Clippers and the Thunder, Stephen Curry and the Warriors took on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday night. Although being considered the underdogs by the betting companies, the Dubs managed to come out on top, and eventually got their first win of the season (1-2).
Here are a few thoughts.
1. Are the Warriors back to being the Warriors? Teamwork, passion, creating space, and more pick and rolls resemble Steve Kerr‘s team these past five years. Last night, against the Pelicans, they showcased that. Seven guys played more than 20 minutes, while all starters scored in double-digits. Steph Curry led the way with 26 points and 11 assists, while D’Angelo Russell got back to his Brooklyn self with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
2. Change of mindset. The Warriors came into the 2019-20 NBA season without knowing how good or bad they are. In the first two blow out losses to the Clippers and the Thunder, they got demolished and looked completely shell-shocked.
After two mediocre performances in the two first games by Draymond Green, he posted a triple-double in New Orleans (16 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists), and had a massive impact on both sides of the court. He led all players in plus-minus with a +36.
3. Determination. Motivation. Wanting to prove the doubters wrong.
"“Everybody loves to label you when you’re down or when you’re losing,” Curry said, per ESPN. “That’s easy. It’s easy to get on TV and say whatever you want, that’s easy. Just throw darts at a team that’s trying to figure it out based on how much success we’ve had. I would hope people can start to see through that and understand what we’re about as a team and what we’re going to build toward. That’s basically it. If you want to get on and say whatever you want to say, and fill that 24-hour news cycle, that’s cool with us. We’re still going to hoop and just play basketball.”"
4. In the first two games combined, D’Angelo Russell scored 26 points, while shooting 9-26 from the field. He even got ejected. On Monday, however, Russell flirted with a triple-double and shot 9-21 from the field. Getting used to the Warriors system will take time for the former Net guard. Scoring and creating while Curry is on the bench is much-needed for Steve Kerr’s squad.
5. Upcoming schedule. The Warriors started the season 0-2, but have the chance to gain some early-season momentum with their next four games. They won in New Orleans and currently sit 11th in the Western Conference standings with a 1-2 record. Their next four games, though, will all take place in the Chase Center in San Francisco.
On Wednesday night, they face the Phoenix Suns (2-2), and after that, the Spurs, Hornets, and Blazers come into town. If they manage to win three of the next four games, the Warriors could end up with an over .500 record.