Golden Gate Sports
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: What it Takes to Win the War

By Ebai Tarkang Bate-Epey

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: The Golden State Warriors stand together before they receive their championship rings before their game against the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on October 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: The Golden State Warriors stand together before they receive their championship rings before their game against the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on October 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

As the Golden State Warriors pace themselves for their second title defense in three seasons, they now certainly know exactly what it takes to win.

As the Golden State Warriors pace themselves for their second title defense in three seasons, they now certainly know exactly what it takes to win a championship. They know it’s a war, not just a battle. This knowledge is apparently to blame for all the ‘sacrifices’ they are making this season, and Dub Nation will have to make sacrifices of their own.

Going into the 2015-2016 NBA Finals as underdogs definitely gave the Warriors an energy, a boost to the already present energy that had been with them throughout the season. It proved that there is strength in numbers, proved what hard work and patience earns you.

Then came the 2016-2017 season, they had to prove to the world their title was no fluke or one-off, and it was historic (in every sense of the word); the historic regular season; a historic MVP; a historic Western Conference Finals comeback. It was all to be sealed in glorious victory until that historic collapse at 3-1 (which still hurts).

The loss fueled a berserker-type rampage and the Warriors were powered by hurt, revenge, and the need for REDEMPTION. That energy attracted Kevin Durant, brought out the best in JaVale McGee, and brought out the beast in Draymond Green. The carnage that ensued left competition from the West coast to the East coast in tatters. Even the King and his Cleveland Cavaliers went down on their knees as a monstrous Durant, Curry and Golden State team basked in glory and vindication.

More from Golden Gate Sports

That kind of energy expenditure was always going to catch up with the Warriors, however, and this season is proving to be just that. For us people of Dub Nation, it is difficult to take given how much we’ve come to love, feed off, expect and demand, that energy from our beloved Warriors.

The Warriors now know how to go the distance and what it takes. It’s a long haul, and you’ve got to pace yourself, keep fresh, and give yourself the best chance at being healthy. This knowledge has led to less aggressiveness (unless it’s the third quarter), a blunted focus (turnovers aplenty), more rest for the stars, and very rare Stephen Curry nights (no more shimmies and no look treys).

Even the favorite foes, the Oklahoma City Thunder (Russell Westbrook and the gang) and the Houston Rockets (The James Harden pack) can now boast a slice of the Warriors this season. Head coach Steve Kerr says it’s normal (and he should know after his own championship years as a player), and he says the dubs will be ready come April.

Next: Slow Start Highlights Areas that Need Improving

For us in Dub Nation, we’ll have to sacrifice bragging rights at the workplace, the Steph nights, and we’ll definitely have to sacrifice our expectations because the only one that really counts is the expectation of retaining old Larry in the Bay. The Warriors are giving up so much for that cause, why shouldn’t we as well?

Home/Golden State Warriors