3. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have a much different feel to them this season compared to last year. Last season, the Warriors started the season 3-7 in their first 10 games. So far, through the first two weeks of the season, the Warriors are 5-1 with their only loss of the season coming on opening night against the Phoenix Suns. Golden State was also without Draymond Green in that contest.
Since that opening night loss, the Warriors have won five straight games. Golden State has one of the best offenses in the NBA once again and while their defense is not where they’d like it to be, it hasn’t been that much of an issue for the team so far. With a top-5 net rating, it’s clear that the Warriors are more of the team we saw in the playoffs last season compared to their regular-season selves.
I anticipated a huge bounce-back regular season from the Warriors. This is a team that is playing with a chip on its shoulder and it’s paying off so far.