What Grade Did Warriors Recieve?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 10, 2024 1:51 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors looked like the best team in the Western Conference, and then a skid immediately after Thanksgiving brought them back down to Earth. While the Dubs were not expected to remain the top team in the West, they are still very much alive in the playoff picture, sitting fifth in the Conference.

This time last season, the Warriors were treading water and ultimately failed to make the postseason or the knockout stage of the NBA Cup. As legitimate title contenders this season, the Warriors have surged up the power rankings and stood pat near the top.

According to The Athletic's weekly power rankings, the Warriors are the eighth-best team in the NBA, which is exactly where they were in the last iteration. After going 2-2 with solid wins over the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dubs have re-established that they can keep up with some of the more exciting teams in the league.

The Warriors enjoy the 14th-best offense in the league, but their calling card has been their defense, which ranks fourth.

"When Golden State has been good, it’s been because its defense is great," wrote Law Murray. "Only the Thunder and Rockets allow a lower field goal percentage (43.8). Draymond Green has 21 blocks in 21 games this season."

Murray gave the Warriors a B+ grade despite their recent slump. After exceeding expectations early this year, the team deserves some praise.

By fielding a 12-man rotation, the Warriors are always fresh on defense, allowing them to stay active. On top of that, Green, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Gary Payton II are all versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions. The Warriors have a solid identity, it's just vastly different from the offensive-minded approach that won them four titles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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