Sunday night, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 129-127. Currently, the two-time defending champions are on a two-game winning streak.
After a close two-point win on Sunday, the Golden State Warriors are in second place in the Western Conference behind the Denver Nuggets. This year the Warriors have experienced their fair share of adversity. You may remember the Kevin Durant and Draymond Green dispute that ruptured the team's chemistry.
In addition to the internal drama, the team has dealt with the injury bug. Green and Stephen Curry have missed some time due to injury. Nonetheless, the Warriors are getting it together as the second half of the season approaches.
This years team is second in points and first in assist per game. Although this team consists of five All-Stars (pending DeMarcus Cousins return), the teams greatest strength is ball movement. The fact that the Warriors are first in assists means that everyone is touching the ball.
On the other hand, the two-time champs could focus a bit more on the defensive side of the ball. However, they are currently 19th (111.1) in opponents points per game (OPP PTS). But the Warriors are in the clear considering the fact that they finished 18th (107.5) in OPP PTS last season.
Despite the fact that the two-time defending champs are back on track, there are a couple of questions surrounding the franchise. Will Durant re-sign in free agency? Does the team need to add another All-Star to the roster?
Right now, Golden State is 23-11 on the season and will possibly have Cousins on the active roster sometime after Christmas, per Warriors Wire's Phillip Barnett. With the possibility of Cousins' return, the Warriors current roster and record there is no need for the team to add another All-Star.
Insert DeMarcus Cousins
Obviously, Cousins' return is still up in the air, but his return will be an instant upgrade. At the moment, the Warriors are playing Green, Kevon Looney, Damian Jones, and Jordan Bell at center. No disrespect, but the Dub's Achilles heel has been the lack of play at the center position.
Over the years, Golden State has been transforming the league with their small ball lineups. However, teams are starting to add hybrid centers who can spread the floor, shoot the three, and protect the rim. Looney, Bell, Jones, and Green are combining for 21.5 points per game.
In order to solidify a three-peat, the Warriors need to have Cousins in their starting lineup. Before he tore his Achilles last season, the former New Orleans Pelican averaged 25.2 points per game. The 28-year-old adds three-point shooting to the team (even though he is not the third splash brother).
Cousins shot 35.4 percent from three last season, which is impressive for a big man. Assuming that he returns from injury at 100 percent, the team will benefit from his physical style of play and skill. On the other hand, with four other All-Stars on the team, Cousins' numbers may decline.
The Kentucky product will help Golden State on the boards and with ball movement (if he buys into the system). Last season, he averaged 12.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Adding Cousins into the lineup will help the team with rebounding and generating second-chance points.
Also, the eight-year veteran will have to buy into the system in order to earn a max contract this summer (from another team).
If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It
Again, there is no reason to try and add another All-Star to the roster if you are general manager Bob Myers. Adding another All-Star to the lineup is not possible from a financial aspect. Green, Durant, and Klay Thompson are all up for extensions at the end of the season with one max slot up for grabs.
Another reason why the two-time champs don't need to sign another All-Star is because of their current roster. As of now, there are five All-Star's on the roster and there is no need to add another. Not to mention, the Warriors kept their core intact from last seasons championship roster.
Unfortunately, the team lost JaVale McGee, David West, Zaza Pachulia, Omri Casspi, and Nick Young over the summer. Losing some of those players was inevitable, but they were replaceable. Adding another All-Star isn't necessary, but over the summer the Warriors front office did an awful job of replenishing their bench with effective role players.
This season, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has focused on developing his younger players which will help in the long run. But the lack of three-point shooting from their role players is putting a strain on the starting unit. As long as Curry, Thompson, Green, and Durant are on the roster, this team is a championship contender.
Riding the Storm
Coupled with Cousins' return and the team's core, there is no need for another All-Star. Out of the 34 games played by Golden, State Curry has missed 11 games (which is huge). When healthy, the three-time champion is arguably the most dynamic player on the floor.
Clearly, Durant is the best player on the team but he lacks leadership and composure at times. Players on the team look up to Curry and respect his demeanor and his positive attitude. He helps create mismatches, sets screens, and runs the offense.
Curry helps his team by running the offense and pushing the tempo. The fact that he can get his shot off at any time allows him to act as either a scoring or facilitating point guard. When the North Carolina native is on the floor, the ball moves and the additional pass is made.
On the flip side, when the nine-year vet isn't playing, Golden State struggles to remain consistent. Often time the ball movement stops and players try to do too much or Durant tries to take over. Granted, the team can and has won without their starting guard, but the team plays a whole different style of basketball when he is healthy.
Without Green, the Warriors are missing their edge and competitive nature. Although Green is not an effective shooter, he helps quarterback his teammates on defense. Not to mention he is a solid playmaker on the floor and does a great job of pushing the pace. With Curry and Green both in the lineup, the Warriors have a chance at three-peating.
This season is still young and the Dubs seem to be tapping into their full potential.
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