Waiting has come to an end – the regular season is about to begin.So there is a lot to discuss: Will the Warriors break their own victory record?Are the Cavaliers better than last season?How good is OKC – and does Dennis Schröder have to work on his reputation?Two SPOX editors discuss with Davide Chinellato from Gazzetta dello Sport and DAZN commentator Alex Schlüter.
Davide Chinellato: They’re not interested in that at all.They learned their lesson from 2016 when they won 73 games, but then lost 7 in the finals in an incredible game.Nevertheless, I think we will see the best version of the Warriors in the coming season – just without the record of 73 or more victories.You know that the balance sheet is not important and only the title counts.Rather, they will try to put in perfect playoffs with a 16-0 record.
Thorben Rybarczik: I see it differently.I think that they will certainly want to break the record of victory again, because there is just this one flaw in their side: they have the best record of all time with 73-9, but they did not win the title in the same year.That needs to be corrected.And they have this ambition: I am thinking, for example, of an interview with Draymond Green from last week, in which he told me how angry he was about losing a single game in the 2016 playoffs.That shows me how ambitious he is, and he’s putting that across to the whole team.That’s why I say: The Dubs want to break the record and finally combine it with the title.And I certainly trust them.
Ole Frerks: I also think the Warriors are so strong that, unless they are slowed down by injuries, they will be able to steer 70 victories almost by themselves, without forcing it.Most teams need a perfect match to beat the dubs on a weak day.And when they realize that the 73 victories will be possible again two weeks before the end of the season, they will also try to do it.Even if it will not be the big goal for them this season.
Davide Chinellato: Of course, they are able to do so.And as you say, Ole: You can play a season with about 70 victories without really noticing it, because they are a bit better than last year.Above all, they have become even deeper.That’s why I guess they’re going to win at least 65, which is great.Because three times in a row, no team has ever done that.
Alex Schlüter: I’m with you, Davide, the Warriors have gotten a little better.I don’t think they’re going to win another 70.The simple reason for this is that the Warriors play against Western Conference teams most often in the regular season and there are OKC, Houston and maybe even the Timberwolves teams that have become so much better that they can punish a weaker day of the Warriors.This has not been the case very often in the last two years.Doesn’t it get me wrong, Golden State will win a lot, a lot of things, but break the record again?I don’t believe it.
Ole Frerks: To return to Green’s interview, he also said that all the other teams already know that they don’t stand a chance against the Warriors.So if we deviate from the regular season and look into the playoffs: Do you think Davide that someone can beat the dubs in a show?
Davide Chinellato: No.Then something very strange and unpredictable would have to happen.Maybe they’ll give up one or two games – but a whole series?Absolutely not.You’re too good.Nobody stops Curry, Durant, Klay and Green over seven games.You’re a historic team.
Page 1: The Warriors will break their own victory record
Page 2: The Cavaliers are better than last season
Page 3: The Thunders are doomed to failure
Page 4: Dennis Schröder has to repair his reputation
Page 5: MVP 2018 becomes…