The Warriors answered our prayers when Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut both made an appearance for the Warriors first game of the season against the Phoenix Suns. But all good things have to come to an end and the Warriors' golden year seems to be losing its shine rather fast.
So, after three games what have we seen?
1. Brandon Rush is out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL
So Rush is out. Three games into the regular season and Brandon Rush is out for the rest of the 2012-2013 season because of a torn ACL. Due to his injury the pressure is on for Harrison Barnes.
Barnes has already proven to Jackson that he is capable of starting. Jackson realized this before Rush had injured his knee and named Barnes starting forward before his injury occurred. Even though Barnes was set to start, his minutes would have been cut down in order for Rush to play. Now it’s all up to Barnes. Without Rush standing in his way we will be seeing a lot more of Harrison Barnes, although if Barnes is forced to miss any time Richard Jefferson and Draymond Green will be there to replace him.
2. Not that we really care but… Andris Biedrins is still out due to his groin injury
Biedrins sustained a groin injury during preseason and has been sidelined ever since. With Biedrins out it seems like things are running quite smoothly. Festus Ezeli has become an increasingly dominant player as the season has progressed. With Biedrins out, he has been getting the playing time that he needs in order to mature.
3. Bogut is back, but he falls… A LOT
Well, I know that I’m not the only one that noticed this. Next game we should all tally how many times Bogut is on the floor. It is not something that a fan wants to see from a star player who happens to be very very injury prone. Luckily he has yet to endure a major injury (knock on wood).
Coach Jackson seems to be easing Bogut into playing more minutes. They seem finally be learning that they should not rush their injured players. Festus Ezeli has been filling in for Bogut when he sits out and he has been doing an outstanding job, but seeing Bogut on the court is bittersweet and as the season progresses it’ll get even better.
4. Curry came back and he showed us why he is so important.
During the Warriors vs. Phoenix game, the idea of Curry as the leader didn’t seem suitable anymore. But he proved us wrong as he showed us that he is a true leader. He kept the Warriors in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, unfortunately that wasn’t enough and they lost to the Grizzlies. But he once again he proved to us that he is meant to be a leader during the Clippers game when he all but carried the team on his back and lead them to a victory. It seems like we have the old Stephen Curry back.
But let’s not forget that Curry was already injured during the preseason and was taken out as a “precaution” from the remainder of the preseason games. If the Warriors believe that he’ll be able to play all 82 games this season, they’re delusional. Curry keeps rushing back. He needs to slow down and focus on his ankle. The more he rushes his recovery, the more time he will be spending on the bench.
If the Warriors stay healthy this season then we’ll be able to watch them play past April 17. It has been five years since the Warriors have made the playoffs. Our “We Believe” signs are collecting dust and it’s time to bring them out. But if the Warriors can’t stay healthy then Warriors’ fans can nix the idea of making it to the playoffs this season.
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