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Steph-less Warriors Take Down Rising Rockets: Is Golden State Stronger Without Curry?

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Warriors Take Down Rising Rockets
"Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors 2011-12-17 03" by Amin Eshaiker is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Golden State Warriors have kicked off the season on fire, leaving fans and critics alike in awe—and in doubt. In a stunning display, the Warriors Take Down Rising Rockets on the road, even without their all-time superstar Steph Curry, clinching victory in a nail-biting overtime. Veteran forward Kevon Looney admitted he wasn’t sure they could have pulled off a win like this a year ago, recalling the chaos that seemed to haunt them last season. But this time? They held their ground, keeping cool in crunch time—a stark change from their performance in recent years.

Steph-less Warriors Take Down Rising Rockets: Is Golden State Stronger Without Curry?

Golden State’s early performance is stirring debate. Yes, they’re 7-1, but the question lingers: how tough has their schedule actually been? Of those seven wins, only two were against teams with winning records. Yet, they’re not resting easy; Coach Steve Kerr is quick to remind everyone of last year’s fast start that fizzled out before December. Kerr insists that maintaining their defensive edge will be key, a sharp shift from the offensive-heavy Warriors of the past.

This year, the Warriors are an entirely different beast. Gone are the days of a purely star-studded starting lineup; instead, they’ve embraced a strategy of depth and relentless defense. Steph Curry and Draymond Green lead the charge, yet the contributions from new additions like De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson prove the team’s commitment to strength in numbers—a mantra Kerr says isn’t just lip service. With 13 players clocking significant minutes each game, the Warriors are proving they can adapt, especially in a game where Curry and Hield outshot the Celtics by piling up 43 points.

Statistically, Golden State sits on top in rebounds and is a top-five team in steals, blocks, and assists—a nod to Kerr’s “scrappy defense” vision. While many questioned if the loss of Klay Thompson and the absence of flashy acquisitions like Paul George would weaken the Warriors, their numbers tell a different story. They’re No. 3 in the league offensively, and their defense ranks second. This combination gives them the league’s best net rating at a jaw-dropping +15.5.

But is this sustainable? The Warriors’ depth gives them an edge in the grueling 82-game season, but a crowded Western Conference means they need more than defensive grit and sporadic offensive explosions. Kerr acknowledges that while a deep rotation is valuable, defining a consistent closing lineup will be crucial, especially as they gear up for challenges against powerhouses like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

Last year’s 46-36 record left Golden State in tenth place, barely scraping into the play-in tournament. Now, with a watchful eye on elite talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s clear that Golden State’s ambitions aren’t limited to just making the playoffs. The Warriors may not be dominating with superstars this season, but they’re proving they have enough firepower, heart, and strategy to aim for a solid top-six spot in the West.

Sarah Thompson
Hey there, basketball fanatics! I'm Sarah Thompson, and my world revolves around the heartbeat of the hardwood. With a background in sports journalism, I've turned my passion for the game into compelling narratives. From game-changing plays to off-court drama, I'm here to keep you in the loop. Expect insightful analyses and exclusive player interviews that dive deep into the soul of basketball. Join me on this court-side journey, where every hoop has a story to tell.

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