What’s going on with the Golden State Warriors?
The Golden State Warriors look unstoppable. In this nine-game winning streak that the team is currently riding, the Warriors have rediscovered the strategy that has made them so formidable in the past decade. They overwhelm opponents with the number of shooters, athletic forwards, and productive veterans that they have on the floor at all times.
What makes Golden State more frightening is that they are starting to figure out how to play with the returning Klay Thompson. There were definitely shaky moments as Thompson played his way back into shape and tried to find his role on the team. But as evidenced in Thompson’s team-high 21 points in their win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, things are starting to fall into place. And that should be a frightening prospect for any squad that is getting ready to face them.
What’s going on with the Utah Jazz?
Similarly, the Jazz have bounced back nicely after a rough stretch, winning three straight games to rise to fourth place in the West.
The return of Donovan Mitchell sparked the Jazz’s 113-104 victory over the New York Knicks, as he compiled 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Utah has also overcome the absence of All-Star Rudy Gobert with sophomore Udoka Azubuike protecting the paint to the tune of 14 rebounds and three blocks.
Storyline to watch out for
Golden State will try to make it three in a row over the Jazz in their third faceoff this season. The Warriors are only three games behind the Phoenix Suns in the standings, and are determined to stay within striking distance for home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Jazz will serve as a good test for the Warriors’ defense that has been elite so far this season. Golden State’s defensive rating of 103.4 is No. 1 in the NBA, which speaks volume about the team’s ability to match up against all types of opponents in the league. The talented Mitchell will be a big challenge, particularly for Klay Thompson. How the Warriors defend the talented All-Star will be great preparation come the Playoffs.
