Golden State Warriors: 3 Underdogs who are shattering expecations

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Curry made a three-point basket against the LA Clippers late in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on October 21, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after Curry made a three-point basket against the LA Clippers late in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on October 21, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Once upon a time, the Golden State Warriors were a wide-eyed team full of youngsters who were seemingly biting off more than they could chew. Remember the saying “live by the jump shot, die by the jump shot”?

Well, that was the narrative behind the Warriors back in the 2014-15 NBA season. Sure, a team full of gunslingers like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would be fun to watch. But, a jump-shooting team had never won a championship, and no one was expecting that to change anytime soon.

We would all come to learn the Dubs were no regular team. Led by two underdogs who became the best 3-point shooting duo of all time, and a second round pick turned generational defensive talent in Draymond Green — Golden State transformed from David to Goliath.

The Golden State Warriors started off as underdogs and they will continue to rely on those who shatter expectations moving forward.

Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green are no longer underdogs. At least, not in the same way they were in 2015. While they are facing the task of reclaiming the throne after two years out of the playoffs, the big three is still considered elite.

In contrast, a few members of the supporting cast have been fighting for their NBA lives since 2019. These underdogs have shattered expectations and shown they can hang with the best.