The 2020-21 NBA season played out like nothing the Golden State Warriors thought it would be, as they finished 4th in their Pacific Division and 8th in the Western Conference.
That led to them not qualifying for the playoffs for the second consecutive season, as they finished 15th in the Conference and 5th out of 5 teams in the Division in the 2019-20 NBA season.
The Warriors could be said to have lost their rhythm owing to the loss of two of their big 3 to injuries - Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant - and the eventual trade of Durant to the Brooklyn Nets.
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They hope to get back to their dominant period in the league that saw them win three NBA championship titles within a period of four seasons and make it to five NBA Finals in close succession. Below are some of their strengths that, if utilized properly, can guarantee success for the Warriors.
Factors that will help the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 NBA season
#1. The great passing ability of Draymond Green
Draymond Green was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 35th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and although he had a slow start he has gone on to be a magnificent addition to the team. In 2017, he was the NBA's Steals Leader and Defensive Player of the Year and made it to the All-Defensive First Team four times (2015-2017, 2021).
However, his unique ability to find his teammates has set him apart and has become a strength to the team's offense. He reads the game perfectly and has a 93% passing completion rate in the half-court and 82% in transition that leads to a possible scoring chance.
The 3-time All-Star has led the team in assists since 2016 with an exception in 2020 where Curry led. He finished as the third-best in assists in the league last season.
#2. Presence of Steph Curry on the roster
Steph Curry has been the backbone of the Warriors for a while now and he continues to show why he is the Warriors' all-time leading scorer with a total of 18,434 points scored in 762 appearances, recording an average of 24.2 points per game. He is also the franchise's all-time leader in total assists, free throw percentage and 3-points made per game.
Curry is considered to be the best offensive player in the NBA, having led the league in points, points per game, 3-points made and attempted. He is a force on the floor and the Warriors are elated he is on their side as he could make all the difference this season in their drive to regain dominance.
In the 2020-21 NBA season, Curry led the team in points, 3-points, free throws and field goals, recording 5.3 3-points, 5.7 free throws and 10.4 field goals per game. With his high level of consistency, he is expected to keep putting up these numbers and possibly surpassing them.
#3. Shooting
Klay Thompson is expected to make a return in the coming season with his recovery from his torn Achilles seemingly on schedule. He would be a great addition to the shooting power of the Warriors, having recorded 21.5 points, 8.4 field goals and 3.1 3-points per game in his last active season with the Warriors (2018-19 NBA season).
His contribution saw the Warriors finish 1st in the Western Conference and his absence for the NBA Finals Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors left a hole in the team, which led to their loss.
Curry is on track to become the NBA's all-time 3-point leader in the 2021-22 NBA season as he trails behind Ray Allen by only 141 3-points. Andrew Wiggins is yet another good shooter in the Warriors arsenal, averaging 18.6 points per game from the previous season.
Warriors Nation! You can check out the latest Golden State Warriors Schedule and dive into the Warriors Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.