The Golden State Warriors have a hellish schedule to start the season: several back to backs, several three games in four nights, and now a dozen road games more or less in a row.
They were up to the challenge of the first two back to backs, winning four games against competitive Western Conference teams. Coach Kerr refused to cite fatigue in their first road loss in Portland, but the fatigue was evident in Milwaukee and among the veterans in Indiana. In Tuesday's home game they righted things against Phoenix, but now the road and Kerr's more careful load management is ahead.
The early games showed the continuing power of the "uncles," named Steph, Draymond and Jimmy. The big story was the improved play of Quinton Post and especially Jonathan Kuminga. The new "uncle", former Celtics star Al Horford, showed how quickly he fit in this team's offensive and defensive structures.
Moses Moody returned from injury to play well, Brandon Podziemski and Buddy Hield had shining moments, and rookie Pat Spencer was a eye-opening surprise. Even the sometimes forgotten big, Trace-Jackson Davis, had a strong game against Phoenix, with the returning Gary Payton II always able to affect games.
It's a strong roster, with the injured De Anthony Melton (apparently the linchpin of last season's sizzling start) and sharpshooter Seth Curry still to come. But it's a long season, and injuries are all but inevitable (in fact, Jimmy Butler had to leave the Phoenix game with a back problem.)
Meanwhile, defending champs OKC and the San Antonio Spurs, with the blossoming of Wembayama as a dominant superstar, were off to a blistering start, with OKC still undefeated after 8 games. I doubt that the Warriors are even going to try to keep pace early in the season--they will likely prioritize the long run, and the health and energy of their veterans for the late season and the playoffs.
In baseball, the just concluded World Series was judged a classic. In pure baseball terms I suppose it was, but I came to admire the Blue Jays so much that I couldn't work up much enthusiasm for Goliath winning. Still it took the mighty wealthy and therefore mighty Dodgers seven games, including a 16 inning contest, and a 7th game that went 11 innings. The Toronto Blue Jays gave them a run for their money.
