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1 major reason the Warriors can (and can’t) win the 2022 NBA Finals

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Curry made a three-point shot late in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 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 - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Curry made a three-point shot late in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 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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Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Why the Golden State Warriors have enough to reach the NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors have had a rough time over the past few weeks, losing an entire four-game road trip and having a recent span in which they lost 7 of 8. Now, there are clear reasons for their struggles. For starters, Klay Thompson missed 2 games with an illness.

Secondly, and more importantly, the Warriors have been without four-time All-Star Draymond Green. Green’s importance cannot be undervalued as he’s the captain defensively and main distributor offensively.

Golden State held the top spot in the West for the bulk of the first few months and then entered the All-Star break in second place. Prior to the break, the Warriors held the best defensive rating, and it was sub-100 for quite a bit of the first few months as well.

The Dubs rank 3rd in net rating, 4th in true shooting, and 9th in rebounding rate. Along with having a top-tier defense, being competent on the glass and being able to shoot from all areas on the court, the Warriors should be able to put it all together once at full strength.

They’re the only team in the NBA that ranks top five in defensive rating and true shooting. With wins over teams like Chicago, Brooklyn, Utah, and Phoenix, the Warriors have beaten the best of the best, and it’ll be all about making it click at the right time.

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