The Golden State Warriors dominated the Cavaliers, Thunder, and Rockets and easily defeated what was supposed to be their toughest test yet.
The Golden State Warriors were supposed to be pushed to the brink. This week was supposed to test them like no other. The Warriors were going to be exposed as the frauds.
Over the last week, Golden State played the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Houston Rockets. Two of those teams had beaten the Warriors and the other, the Thunder, was an emotional test. The Dubs were supposed to be challenged and, possibly, fall.
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Instead, we’re sitting here at the end of the week talking about their three straight victories. They won by a combined 73 points, cruising to three wins. Their offense and their defense have both been excellent.
The Warriors routed the Cavaliers on MLK Day 126-95. They defeated the Thunder 121-100. Then they beat the Rockets 125-108.
The Warriors are slowly becoming more comfortable with their new roster. Kevin Durant has been absolutely magnificent. He’s made 34 of his 44 shots over the last three games (77 percent). He’s had eight blocks and four steals.
Stephen Curry, whose selection to the All-Star Game’s starting lineup made a lot of people mad, also continued his good play. He averaged 22.6 points, 8.6 assists, and 2.6 steals. He went up against Kyrie Irving and Westbrook and led his team to victory. Curry was decisive, aggressive, and effective.
The Warriors’ avenged their two closest losses of the season. They blew a 14 fourth quarter lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas and lost on an Irving turnaround jumper. They completely overwhelmed the Cavs on MLK Day, as Curry finally showed some signs of life against them.
They fell in double overtime to the Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors exploded in the third quarter in Houston and built a huge second half lead. Golden State took away the three-point line and the free throw line from Harden, Eric Gordon, and the rest of the team.
The Golden State Warriors have been doing a much better job of building and holding leads. They’ve struggled throughout the season to do so, but they did it during this stretch. They made sure to handle business against those teams.
The Warriors made two of their top three biggest obstacles look like lottery teams. The made two of the league’s supposedly toughest players crumble and take naps on the Oracle Arena floor. They dominated like they’re supposed to.
Golden State’s goal is to improve, not necessarily win. The process is more important than the result. They’re getting better as everyone settles into their roles. Zaza Pachulia is really putting it together, James Michael McAdoo stepped up, and Andre Iguodala is playing really good basketball.
The Warriors’ most daunting week has yet to come. They have an extremely difficult stretch from Sunday, March 26 to Friday, March 31. They’ll host Memphis, fly to Texas and have a back to back against Houston and San Antonio, and then fly home to host Houston again.
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The Golden State Warriors are the team to beat. They’re the best squad in the league and they’re no where near being a finished product. Curry, Durant, and co. are learning how to play together and they’re still dominating. Those aren’t bad teams they dominated; it’s a testament to Golden State’s strength.
The Warriors were supposed to stumble during this stretch. Instead, they flexed their muscle and showed who they are.