The Golden State Warriors haven’t lost a game in over two weeks. In that time, they’ve rattled off seven consecutive wins, behind historic performances from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, and dominance from Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
If they run the table this week as well, they’ll be sitting on a ten-game winning streak. It should be a fun week.
Position entering the week
Record: 9-1
Conference standings: 1st
Net rating: 2nd (+13.3)
This week’s games
Monday, November 5 vs the Memphis Grizzlies (5-3)
When: 7:30 p.m.
TV: NBA TV and NBC Sports Bay Area
What to watch for: In the Warriors last game, on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State came out slowly, and didn’t really turn things on until the fourth quarter. Memphis has been playing well, and can make life very difficult for the Warriors if they begin the game lackadaisically.
Why they could win: The Warriors are much more talented than the Grizzlies, and Memphis’ offense is very mediocre. If the Warriors take the game seriously, it should be theirs.
Why they could lose: The Grizzlies have a stellar defense, and the type of personnel that can match up with Golden State’s top offensive players. There are few teams as primed to slow Curry, Thompson, and Durant as the Grizzlies are.
Opponent to watch: Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies rookie, who was drafted fourth overall, was forced into the starting lineup just a few games into the season, due to an injury to JaMychal Green. He’s held up admirably, and his defense has elite potential.
Thursday, November 8 vs the Milwaukee Bucks (8-1)
When: 7:30 p.m.
TV: TNT and NBC Sports Bay Area
What to watch for: Early season games don’t get much more exciting than this. Since Mike Budenholzer took over prior to this season, the Bucks have looked unstoppable. They have the league’s top net rating (+14.6), and one of the top MVP candidates in Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is a star matchup.
Why they could win: This will feel like a playoff game, and the Warriors have more experience in those than the Bucks do. Plus, it’s at Oracle Arena.
Why they could lose: So far this year the Bucks are a top three team in both offense and defense. They can beat anyone on any night, and don’t afford the Warriors much wiggle room.
Opponent to watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is the obvious choice, but there’s a reason for that. Antetokounmpo has the height of a center, the length of a train, the agility of a point guard, and one of the most outstanding athletic profiles in NBA history. He can score, he can pass, he can rebound, he can defend, and he can seemingly get from one end of the court to the other in two strides.
Saturday, November 10 vs the Brooklyn Nets (4-6)
When: 5:30 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Bay Area
What to watch for: Can the Warriors put together a full 48 minutes against a lesser team? In Brooklyn just over a week ago, the Warriors jumped out to a large lead, but nearly gave it all up in the fourth.
Why they could win: They beat the Nets already once this year, and that was on the road. It’s a game Golden State should win.
Why they could lose: The Nets are the perfect team to win a game when their opponent takes their foot off the gas. Brooklyn has talent and energy, and they’re very well coached. If the Warriors don’t take this game seriously, they could end up with the L.
Opponent to watch: Spencer Dinwiddie. Caris LeVert has been Brooklyn’s best player, and D’Angelo Russell has the prospect shine, so Dinwiddie has been a little in the shadows. But the young guard has been spectacular all year, and is a lot of fun to watch.
This week’s storylines
Can the winning streak continue?
It’s been a while since the Warriors rattled off one of their signature winning streaks. Can they push the current streak to double digits?
Awards chasers
So far this year, Steph Curry leads the league in scoring, and it’s not particularly close. He’s also on pace to set the NBA record for threes in a year. It’s only been 10 games, but he’s at or near the top of every MVP ballot.
Similarly, Draymond Green has started to return to form defensively, after a down year (by his ridiculously high standards) last season. Can Curry continue to state his case for MVP, while Green keeps looking like a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year?
Who has the next big game?
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson both have 50-point games this year, and neither needed a fourth quarter to do it. Kevin Durant has erupted on a few occasions, and Draymond Green has put up some absurd stat lines. It seems only a matter of time before another Warrior pops off for a must-see game. Who will it be?