Golden State Warriors can make statement on opening night vs LAL

According to reports, the Golden State Warriors will kick off the 2021-22 NBA season with a classic battle between Stephen Curry and LeBron James. But, this game is more important than a run-of-the-mill showdown against the two foes — it is a chance for the Dubs to get their revenge tour started on the right foot.

Opening night typically doesn’t mean much. But, game one between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers holds some weight.

Statement games are something you either buy into or completely ignore as an NBA fan. Does a regular-season game, the first one of the year, really mean anything in the long run? While I don’t think the outcome of this match will be the butterfly effect that determines the eventual champion, it is a great opportunity for the Warriors to gain some early momentum.

Think about it. After back-to-back years of missing the playoffs and hearing all of the criticism, the Dubs can open the new season with a shot straight to one of the title favorites. Putting on a show and silencing the haters from day one could bode well for the team moving forward.

Obviously, it won’t be that easy. Not only are the Los Angeles Lakers reloaded with names like Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk and Trevor Ariza but they’ll also be gaining a fully-rejuvenated LBJ and Anthony Davis. Add the fact that Klay Thompson is probable to miss the start of the season and we have a tough game to start the season for Golden State.

But, a winnable one nonetheless.

The Warriors will enter the season with a sense of continuity and optimism for the first time in a while. They have a real chance at competing for a title once again and everyone in the franchise knows it. Game one could go a long way towards affirming their preseason beliefs or allowing a bit of doubt to seep in depending on the outcome.

Young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody will get their first taste of NBA action and it’s important the Warriors do a good job of easing them into the fire. It could be good for them to get punched in the face early on and let the harsh reality of the NBA get them prepared for a long season — but you don’t want them to lose too much confidence. Vice-versa, they mustn’t get too cocky if they shine in their debut.

The first months of the season are going to be crucial in building this team. There is no shortcut to success but maximizing each teaching moment is going to be the difference between battling for an NBA Finals berth and disappointment next year.

An October game against the Lakers might not mean much in the long run but it could serve as the first domino to a season that has some drastically different potential outcomes for the Warriors. With numerous players ready for breakout seasons, game one is their chance to open the year with a statement to the rest of the league. Get ready.