5 Reasons Why the Golden State Warriors Could Struggle in 2013-14
By Ben Pickman
5. Their own worst nightmare
April 09, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors bench of starters stand up for the final seconds of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-89 to clinch a playoff berth. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors were the sixth seed in the Western Conference in 2012-13. They were 47-35, two games better than the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. They were mediocre on the road, and of the eight playoff teams in the West, they had the lowest average point differential. They were 9-7 in the division, which is nothing special. After a hot start and strong finish, the Warriors lost six games and four games consecutively at difference points in the middle of the season.
Though they think that the hunters are now the hunted, the Warriors had a breakout postseason and are yet to play with that same high level of play in the regular season for 82 games. They may be over confident and not understand that teams will give them there best every night out.
Having breakout teams in the postseason is not a rarity, but many times teams that breakout fade back to reality during their next season, and the Warriors must avoid that fall.