The third title of the Golden State Warriors dynasty was the most difficult so far. Why was that? What happens next with Kevin Durant and the many other free agents? Is a commitment by LeBron James or Anthony Davis possible – and what needs to happen for the Dubs to lose their throne? SPOX looks at the most important questions.
“It would blow your mind if you knew what was going on with us this season.” This sentence, spoken by veteran David West during the champagne showers after the sweep against the Cavaliers, gave up some riddles – but on the other hand it was no surprise. For the third title in four years was probably the most difficult of the young Warriors dynasty.
The beginning of the second season since the arrival of Kevin Durant was already bumpy. The team suffered three early defeats, only one against a top team (Rockets). There were problems that had always been known, but were now occurring at a higher frequency: The focus was rare, the dreaded Warriors basketball was rarely celebrated.
After defeats, the players’ anger was often directed against the referees. His own performance was rarely questioned – even though head coach Steve Kerr did everything in his power to steer his team’s thoughts in the right direction. But he could not prevent that the Ejections of the stars hailed and the Top Seed of the Regular Season got out of reach.
At times it felt as if this championship team was bored. This is not a completely new phenomenon for defending champions, especially for teams with the quality of the dubs, who always know exactly: If we play well, no opponent reaches our level. But if you rest on this knowledge, you won’t reach this level yourself.
Especially when injuries occur throughout the season. In the years before, the team had been spared the worst, but during the 2017/18 Regular Season there was one loss after the other. Not only role-players and the old veterans were caught, but also the stars: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson played together only 41 times.
Under these circumstances, it is difficult to gain speed. There were hardly any easy victories, the team had to work hard to achieve its success day after day. If you are not used to this – just as little as the fact that there are several defeats in a row – friction occurs. Were there accusations within the team? Or even problems with the hierarchy in an otherwise perfect team structure? These may be speculations, but West’s statements point in this direction.
What made it even more difficult was that the squad was not as balanced as before. There were too many big men and too little shooting outside the Starting Five (see question 3), the depth had gone flutes, especially in times of many injuries. And yet the team managed to get up in time and flip the switch. In the Western Conference Finals it was almost over, the Rockets led 3-2, but failed to a not inconsiderable extent due to themselves.
Durant put it like this after this series: “If you have something new, it’s comparatively easy to be successful because no one can adapt to you.” That was the case with the Warriors 2017, but the 2018 version didn’t have that many surprises left. The Rockets were able to align their team to meet the warriors’ strengths, and in the summer they will continue to do so and inspire other teams with their approach.
That’s why Kerr is certain: “Next year will be even more difficult for us.” And with a grin he pushed afterwards: “Maybe I won’t start coaching again until after the All-Star Break. Nobody listens to me before that.”
Page 1: Why was the 2018 title the most difficult so far?
Page 2: What happens to Kevin Durant?
Page 3: What can the Warriors do in the offseason?
Page 4: Can the Warriors afford LeBron or Davis?
Page 5: How can the Warriors be defeated?