Warriors: 5 Things We Learned From the First Half

The Golden State Warriors, at 26-15, are one of the best teams in the Western Conference and also one of the best teams in the NBA. Since the Eastern Conference is no good, the Warriors are looking to just make the playoffs in the heat of a very competitive Western Conference. So far this season, 90 percent of the things about the Warriors are positive.

Nov 19, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) embraces shooting guard Stephen Curry (30) after their win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Could this finally be their season?

1. The Warriors are a Playoff Team: So far, the Dubs have astonished all with an incredible 26-15 record. Their last three wins have been against the Clippers, Thunder and Hornets. To boot, they’re also the only team to have beaten the Thunder, Clippers and the Heat. It takes a lot to beat just one of those teams, but they beat all three,including the Clippers on three separate occasions. With newly announced All-Star David Lee, Stephen Curry and budding star Klay Thompson, the Warriors are well on their way to the playoffs. Maybe even another first round upset is in the cards?

2. Injury is Still Present: Although Curry injured his ankle and was out for just two games, that could spell doom for something deeper. When he was out, the Warriors lost both games, badly. They were completely stumped without him, and never really got their offensive game going. Thompson wasn’t much of a help either, as he only averaged 11.5 points in those two games. Simply, the Warriors need Curry to function, and of course stay healthy.

3. Klay Thompson is the Key: When Thompson has good games, he is a huge threat. In the last few games, Thompson has been averaging over 20 points. He’s also one of the Warriors’ best shooters, and cannot be given daylight – at all.Plus, his incredible defense helps the Warriors on the other side of the ball. He’s able to defend players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Now, however, he needs to learn to get steals without picking up fouls. It’s safe to say that his defense has vastly improved over the last few weeks, as the Warriors are steadily starting to put him on the other team’s primary ball-handler.

4. David Lee is an All-Star: It’s official! Today, January 24, 2013, the Warriors ended their 15 year all-star drought and have finally produced an all-star. Lee’s name was the last to be announced, and the Warriors couldn’t be more proud of him—especially Stephen Curry. Lee’s veteran presence has lead this team to a phenomenal record. And while Lee is focused on the playoffs, the All-Star game will be a nice mental break for him.

5. Jack and Landry Are the Best Signings Of the Decade: This is the main thing we’ve learned so far. Both averaging around 12 points, Landry and Jack have paid huge dividends for the Warriors. A veteran backup point guard, as well as a backup power forward turned out to be all that the Warriors needed. Considering that Landry and Jack are good enough to be starters on most teams, the Warriors truly do have a lot of depth off the bench. Jack has proved he can be the leading scorer and take over the game, and Landry has proved that he’s a real threat in the inside, especially off feeds from his penetrating guards. Despite being undersized, he’ll get the dirty work done efficiently and effectively.