The Dubs shot 52% total, together with 40% from 3-point vary, in a 126-85 victory in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans. No starter wanted to play greater than half-hour. Jordan Poole had 26 factors. Gary Payton II had 17 factors. In 17 minutes, Andre Iguodala racked up 10 assists.
It was the staff’s finest exhibiting this season, which helped Golden State enhance to 7-1 total. However Iggy, the 37-year-old vet, wasn’t fairly able to proclaim the Warriors as title contenders afterwards (unlike ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith).
“We’re okay, we’re a work-in-progress,” Iguodala informed reporters. “We have had a extra favorable schedule, so I do not assume you look an excessive amount of into it. We’re doing what we’re presupposed to do.”
He added that it is nonetheless an accomplishment to maintain enterprise in opposition to so-so groups, and that in itself is a optimistic signal. And you realize what? He is proper! About all of it.
It is an encouraging sign that the Dubs are profitable video games they’re presupposed to win. That is step one in every of getting again to professional postseason competition standing. However a dose of laborious truths can also be needed right here.
The Warriors’ schedule, by no fault of their very own, has been ridiculously straightforward thus far. They beat the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night time, when the Lakers had no concept methods to play along with a completely new roster. They beat the Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers. They beat the at all times common Sacramento Kings, the purposely unhealthy Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder twice, and had two spectacular (if anticipated) victories in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets and Pelicans. Their one loss, in fact, was to the Memphis Grizzlies, who knocked them out of the playoffs final season.
The purpose is not that Iguodala is being a downer, or performing some form of reverse psychology routine — he is simply seen all of it in his prolonged profession. He is aware of the Warriors have an opportunity to be particular, however their report thus far is not indicative of them having really reached the higher echelons of the NBA. We’ll have a greater sense of the place they stand after a number of extra matchups in opposition to elite opponents.
