For the first time since 2010, the NBA Finals will not feature either LeBron James or the Golden State Warriors. Welcome to a new era of basketball. The 2021 NBA Playoffs have been full of surprises. And, if the Warriors have been paying attention, it’s been full of lessons, too.
The first round of the NBA Playoffs has offered plenty of lessons the Golden State Warriors can use to their own advantage.
The Warriors just barely missed the cut this year, faltering in the Play-In Tournament and coughing up their spot to the Memphis Grizzlies. Nonetheless, their bittersweet conclusion to the season provided more fuel to the fire. The Dubs are hungry to get back into the postseason and next year will be their golden chance.
With Klay Thompson returning, the big three will be back in action for the first time since 2019 and they’ll be more motivated than ever to reclaim their spot on the NBA throne.
But, simply being motivated won’t be enough to jump back into the playoffs and compete for a title again. No, the Warriors need to learn everything they can from the teams who have managed to sneak out of round one. Here are three valuable lessons the Dubs can learn.