5 questions that will determine if Warriors are title contenders

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 23: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 23, 2022 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 - JANUARY 23: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 23, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

After a blazing start to the season, the Golden State Warriors reasserted themselves as title contenders, yet a mid-season slump has highlighted valid doubts about their chances.

The Golden State Warriors shocked the league with an incredible start to the 2021-22 season.

Not even the most optimistic Warriors fans could have predicted their 25-5 record to kick off the year. The Dubs’ renaissance catapulted the franchise back into the spotlight as an early favorite to reclaim their spot atop the NBA.

However, as of late, the Warriors have come back to Earth and have been struggling to win at a high clip. Over the past 15 games, they have been a very average 8-7, barely keeping their head above water in a bizarre stretch that has been defined by poor shooting and lackadaisical turnovers.

This recent slide featured some ugly losses, such as the January 21 blunder to the injury-depleted Pacers.

To be fair, the Warriors have had to face adversity through various players entering covid protocols and missing time due to injury, but almost every team in the league has gone through similar tribulations as well. The issues that have surfaced during their recent downturn go deeper than that.

If the Warriors are to bounce back and contend for a title, a few things need to go their way.

Here are 5 questions to answer that will determine the fate of the Dubs’ season.