From Playoff Hopefuls to Title Contenders
By Greg Chin
May 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson (left) talks to guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
2013-14: Building on Success
After winning their first playoff series in six seasons, the Golden State Warriors weren’t content with what they had accomplished. They were involved in multiple trade rumours, and were even linked with a few marquee free agents. They dumped a few contracts to create enough cap room to sign Andre Iguodala, bringing in more of a defensive presence to help compensate for Stephen Curry’s liabilities on defense.
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The Warriors’ defense improved even further, and finished the season as the fourth best defense in the league. They started the season slowly, before a ten-game win streak during the middle of December pushed them to a 24-13 record.
However, not everything was rosy. Rumours of a locker room rift began to arise, especially after coach Mark Jackson forced the reassignment of assistant coach Brian Scalabrine. There was more discord between Jackson and the front office, and the ongoing saga threatened his future on the job. Questions regarding his team’s offensive capabilities arose was well, as the Warriors’ offense ranked just a paltry 12th in the league. Many expected more from them, and the frequent isolation-basketball was a big complaint from the fans.
Still, the Warriors rode their way to a sixth-seed in the Western Conference and faced off against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors were shorthanded, as they were dealing with Andrew Bogut’s injury. Their lack of size eventually cost them in the closely-fought seven-game series, and they fell out of the first round.
Despite this being the best record the Warriors posted since 1991, fans were left dissatisfied as many felt as though the team could have accomplished so much more.
Next: Steve Kerr and the New Era