Is Golden State for Real?

The Golden State Warriors are one of those teams that no one ever seems to really care about. They aren't a powerhouse team and they don't have exceptional players. But the Warriors are silently putting up a nice season. They are now 5th in the Western Conference with a 22-12 record. Record-wise, the are right up there with the Heat and Knicks, yet they get no respect.

David Lee and Stephen Curry are putting up All-Star numbers

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The impressive thing about Golden State is there lack of recognizable players. The starting lineup consists of guys like Klay Thompson (15.9 ppg), Harrison Barnes (9.1 ppg), and Festus Ezeli (2.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg). Yes, you read that right. Festus Ezeli has started 29 games for the Warriors and has 2.9 points per game along with 4.1 rebounds per game. The other two starters, Stephen Curry and David Lee have been putting up all-star numbers this year. Curry is averaging 20.2 ppg and 6.4 rebounds per game. Lee has been a double-double machine averaging 19.7 ppg and 10.9 rpg. The bench has really pulled this team together. Carl Landry and Jarrett Jack have both been averaging double-digits in points per game and have been instrumental to the team's success.

This team will be something to keep tabs on as the season continues. Don't be fooled. What appears to be a team lacking in talent is actually a team with incredible team chemistry. The key will be staying healthy. Stephen Curry has an injury history but has done a good job staying healthy thus far. If they can continue to stay healthy, look for them to be a legitimate playoff contender.



For more information refer to these sites...
http://espn.go.com/nba/standings
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/GSW/2013.html