The Golden State Warriors haters must be HATING hard because the Dubs are making waves once again. Unlike the past couple of years, where uncertainty and drama clouded the team’s ability to contend, the Warriors have approached the 2024-25 season with renewed focus, a retooled roster, and a strategic commitment to depth and adaptability. They’re 8-2 to start the season, boasting top rankings in both defense and offense.

How the  Warriors Have Dominated This Season

This season, the Warriors’ success is driven by a combination of factors: Stephen Curry’s leadership, Draymond Green’s resurgence, the addition of Buddy Hield, and Steve Kerr’s masterful rotations. Each of these components has been vital, creating a team that excels on both ends of the floor. From an enhanced defensive scheme to a dynamic three-point offense, the Warriors seem to have rediscovered the magic that defined their championship years. Here’s a look at ten reasons why this Warriors team has been so successful early in the season, and why they’re a force to watch as they aim for another deep playoff run.

• Defensive Improvements: The Warriors’ defense has been a standout this season, currently ranking third in the league. They’ve intensified their defensive strategy with high pick-up points and aggressive trapping, especially in pick-and-roll situations, which has allowed them to control the pace and disrupt opposing offenses.
• Enhanced Team Depth With the additions of Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, De’anthony Melton, and Lindy Waters, the Warriors’ deep rotation this season has allowed them to maintain high levels of energy and production across all four quarters. Steve Kerr, who’s often been cautious with rotations, has embraced using up to 12 players regularly, and other nights up to 14 players. This flexibility means the Warriors can adapt to various opponents and keep their players fresh. Kerr explained, “Depth is our strength, and it’s a privilege to use it,” emphasizing how he intends to leverage this advantage.
• Stephen Curry continues to be the backbone of the Warriors’ success, both on and off the court. Usually he would be reason #1, but the Warriors have a strong identity and won all three games without Curry when he was out with a sprained ankle. But they needed his magic and gravity in a huge win over the Western fave Oklahoma City Thunder in which he scored 36 points stifling OKC’s comeback. As Coach Steve Kerr noted, “sets the tone for everyone else to follow” (Mercury News), ensuring that the Warriors stay competitive with or without him on the floor.  Could the Steph being championship vibes back to San Francisco? The best sports betting sites have the Warriors ranked in the top seven contenders. It’s early but don’t understimate Steph Curry.
• Buddy Hield’s Impactful Addition Buddy Hield joined the Warriors this offseason and has exceeded expectations with his sharp shooting and adaptability to Steve Kerr’s system. Currently averaging a career-high 18 points on 50% shooting from beyond the arc, Hield has seamlessly taken over the role once filled by Dubs legend Klay Thompson. Kerr praised Hield’s fit, stating, “He’s perfect for what we needed,” which has added a new layer to the Warriors’ offensive strategies.
• Splash Buddies? No one is going to replace The Splash Brothers, but the chemistry between Hield and Curry has been electrifying, leading to an impressive 143.3 points per 100 possessions when they’re on the court together. The duo’s ability to stretch defenses and hit from deep makes the Warriors incredibly difficult to guard. As Kerr noted, “(Hield and Steph’s) connection has been more potent than even we anticipated,” that’s just how well Hield has fit into the Warriors’ style.

• No Distractions The Warriors’ season has benefited from a noticeable absence of off-court drama which had plagued previous years. The Bay Area is still feeling some of the tensions involving Jordan Poole, which culminated in an infamous altercation with Draymond Green during practice. These off-court issues disrupted team chemistry and cast a shadow over the season, ultimately leading to Poole’s departure from the Warriors in a trade. With Klay Thompson moving on and internal conflicts settled, the team’s focus is purely on basketball. Analyst Kendrick Perkins observed, “No distractions this year, just basketball,” emphasizing how a peaceful locker room can translate into improved on-court performance.
• Ball Movement and Team Chemistry Golden State’s ball movement is at an all-time high, with the team averaging 330 passes per game—higher than any of their previous Finals teams. This focus on distribution and teamwork has allowed the Warriors to rank among the league’s best in offensive rating. Curry remarked, “It’s all about flow and trust,” which has translated into seamless teamwork and efficient scoring.
• Jonathan Kuminga’s Embraces Role Kuminga’s acceptance of the sixth-man role has been another game-changer for Golden State. Since moving to the bench, he’s averaged 16.5 points and provided a defensive spark, further stabilizing the rotation. Kuminga’s willingness to adapt has enhanced the team’s cohesion, with Kerr calling him “a true professional” for the way he’s handled the role shift.

• Unprecedented Three-Point Shooting The Warriors have amplified their three-point attempts this season, ranking near the top of the league in volume. With the arrival of Hield and the continued shooting prowess of Curry, they’ve adapted to a more modern NBA style where shooting is crucial. Steve Kerr explained, “The game’s evolved, and we’re evolving with it,” highlighting the necessity of increasing their long-range shots to stay competitive against teams like the Celtics.
• Draymond Green’s Re-Energized Draymond Green has emerged as a revitalized player this season, bringing elite defensive capabilities and leadership back into the fold. Green’s focus and mental clarity have translated into performances reminiscent of his peak years, with him averaging 8.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 44% from three. “I’m back to enjoying the game,” Green shared, reflecting on his rediscovered joy in playing without off-court distractions.
• Resilient Road Performance: Golden State has demonstrated resilience, finishing a challenging road trip with a 4-1 record, including a statement win against the Boston Celtics. Key players like Stephen Curry have shown up in clutch moments, underscoring the Warriors’ ability to maintain momentum in the highly competitive Western Conference.

The Warriors’ formula this season combines veteran leadership, new talent, and a depth of rotation rarely seen in past Golden State lineups. With new blood, a strong sense of cohesion, veteran players providing unique skillsets, and Steph Curry’s presence, the Warriors have quickly established themselves as dark horse contenders. While it’s early in the season, their current trajectory suggests a team ready to make another deep playoff run. If they maintain their health and harmony, Golden State could indeed be on the path to another championship.