Golden State Warriors: Believe in the Warriors; 2-0 vs. playoff teams

The Golden State Warriors have beaten two playoff teams to begin the season. 

The Golden State Warriors might still be a few weeks from full strength but, through two regular-season games, this is a team that is already proving itself as a potential dark horse contender in the Western Conference.

Golden State has three rotation players missing from action at the moment – Jonathan Kuminga, Klay Thompson, and James Wiseman – but they have already started the season on the right foot. On the shoulders of Stephen Curry, who is averaging 33 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists through two games (including a 45-point output in the second game of the season), the Warriors have started a perfect 2-0.

But it’s not just that the Warriors have started the season 2-0; it’s how they’ve started 2-0.

During the team’s opener, the Warriors beat the new-look Los Angeles Lakers on the road in which Curry shot just 5-21 from the field. That’s likely not a game they win a season ago and certainly not one against a team that many projects to be a contender.

Then, two nights later, they outlasted and outscored the LA Clippers in their home opener. Curry wowed the crowd for what felt like the first time in ages. Curry finished with 45 points, which included his 25-point first quarter in which he went 9-9 from the field and 5-5 from 3-point range.

The Warriors’ depth has shined through in these first two games, with five players averaging double-digit scoring – with three rotation players currently sidelined with injury.

Golden State beating both Los Angeles teams, who many believe will finish in the top 6 of the West standings this season, should tell you all you need to know about this team. They may be undermanned and likely wouldn’t be able to go toe-to-toe with most championship contenders.

But, when healthy, the Warriors are going to have a chance to make some noise this season. If Golden State is able to do this with an undermanned roster, I can’t imagine that this team won’t be a factor once the Splash Brothers are reunited for the first time in two years.

Over the next couple of weeks, the Warriors have a cushiony schedule. They could reel off a few wins to really gain some momentum ahead of the return of Thompson, which will likely happen in December or January.

We may not see Golden State at their best version until the second half of the season. And considering how good they are down a few rotation players, this is not a team that should be overlooked or doubted.