BOSTON, MA - JUNE 16: Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate with the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy after winning during Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 16, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Highlights, Statistics, and Scores for the Golden State Warriors
The 2023-2024 Golden State Warriors: A Season of Transition, Triumphs, and Challenges
The Golden State Warriors, one of the most successful franchises in recent NBA history, entered the 2023-2024 season with high expectations. The team, led by the legendary trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, was looking to build on their championship pedigree and remain one of the top teams in the league. However, as the season unfolded, the Warriors faced a mixture of triumphs, challenges, and changes, ultimately leading to a season that was both memorable and filled with uncertainty.
Early Expectations and Team Composition
The 2023-2024 season marked another chapter in the Warriors’ quest for continued dominance. After a 2022-2023 season where they were eliminated in the playoffs by the Sacramento Kings in the first round, many expected the team to bounce back strongly. With the return of the core players—Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—the Warriors hoped to recapture the form that led them to four NBA championships in the past decade. The team was also bolstered by the inclusion of talented young players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, with the hopes that they would step up and contribute more in the upcoming season.
In addition, the Warriors made significant changes to their roster, bringing in new faces who would play crucial roles in the season. One of the major offseason moves was the acquisition of forward Chris Paul, who joined the team via trade from the Washington Wizards. Paul, a future Hall of Famer, was seen as a potential backup for Curry and a veteran leader who could help the Warriors navigate the grueling season. The addition of Paul gave the Warriors more depth in their backcourt, but it also raised questions about how the dynamic between him and the Warriors’ existing stars would evolve.
A Mixed Regular Season
The Warriors started the season with high hopes, but their performance during the regular season was inconsistent. They finished the season with a record of 46-36, which placed them in the 10th seed in the Western Conference. This position earned them a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, marking the first time the Warriors had participated in this format since its inception.
Despite being a playoff contender for much of the year, the Warriors struggled with injuries and inconsistency, particularly on the road. Their home record remained solid, thanks to the leadership of Curry, Thompson, and Green, but their road woes were hard to ignore. With a road record that ranked among the worst in the league, the Warriors were unable to consistently replicate the success they found at the Chase Center.
One of the key factors that contributed to the Warriors’ struggle during the regular season was their defense. Historically, the Warriors have been known for their fast-paced offense and suffocating defense, but during the 2023-2024 season, their defensive rating was subpar compared to past years. They allowed an average of 115.2 points per game, ranking 18th in the league. This was a noticeable decline from their defensive performances during their championship seasons, and it would be one of the main areas they would need to address moving forward.
Key Highlights and Turning Points
While the Warriors’ regular season was filled with ups and downs, several key highlights and turning points stood out.
1. Stephen Curry’s Continued Brilliance
Despite the team’s struggles, Stephen Curry continued to be the heart and soul of the Warriors. Curry averaged 30.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, putting together another MVP-caliber season. Curry’s ability to hit clutch shots from deep, break defenders off the dribble, and lead the Warriors in scoring and playmaking kept the team competitive.
One of Curry’s most memorable performances of the season came in November 2023, when he scored 51 points in a thrilling victory over the Sacramento Kings. The win not only showcased Curry’s ability to take over games, but it also gave the Warriors much-needed momentum in an otherwise tough stretch of games.
2. Klay Thompson’s Resurgence
After battling injuries in previous seasons, Klay Thompson seemed to find his rhythm once again during the 2023-2024 campaign. Thompson’s shooting form looked as sharp as ever, as he averaged 22.3 points per game and shot 41.3% from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down threes from all over the floor was crucial to the Warriors’ offensive success.
In February 2024, Thompson had a sensational game against the Phoenix Suns, hitting eight three-pointers and scoring 42 points, leading the Warriors to a vital win on the road. His performance was a reminder of just how dangerous he could be when fully healthy, and it provided hope for the Warriors as they headed into the second half of the season.
3. Draymond Green’s Defensive Leadership
Draymond Green, often regarded as the Warriors’ defensive anchor, had another solid season despite facing suspension issues. Green averaged 7.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His versatility on defense allowed him to guard multiple positions, and his leadership on that end of the floor remained a key component of the Warriors’ identity.
However, Green made headlines in December 2023 when he was suspended indefinitely for striking Portland Trail Blazers’ center Jusuf Nurkić in the face. The suspension, which lasted several games, raised questions about Green’s temperament and his place in the Warriors’ future. Fortunately for the team, Green returned to form after the suspension and continued to provide his customary intensity and leadership.
4. The Emergence of Young Players
While the Warriors relied heavily on their veteran core, young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody showed flashes of potential during the season. Kuminga, in particular, was a standout with his athleticism, defense, and scoring ability. He averaged 13.2 points per game and continued to develop his skills under the guidance of the Warriors’ coaching staff. Moody, though not as consistent, displayed his ability to contribute as a shooter and defender.
As the season progressed, Kuminga and Moody became important pieces for the Warriors’ second unit, providing depth and energy when the team needed it most. Their development was crucial to the Warriors’ long-term future, especially as the team began to transition away from its older players.
Play-In Tournament and Playoff Hopes
As the regular season came to a close, the Warriors found themselves in the 10th seed in the Western Conference, which meant they had to compete in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Play-In Tournament is a relatively new addition to the postseason structure, giving teams ranked 7th through 10th one final chance to qualify for the playoffs.
In their first game of the Play-In Tournament, the Warriors faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. However, despite a valiant effort from Curry and Thompson, the Warriors fell short, losing 118-112. The loss eliminated them from playoff contention, marking the first time in the Steph Curry era that the Warriors would miss the postseason entirely.
Key Statistics for the Season
Throughout the 2023-2024 season, the Golden State Warriors posted several key statistics that highlight both their strengths and areas of improvement:
- Points Per Game: The Warriors averaged 117.8 points per game, ranking 8th in the league in scoring. Their fast-paced, three-point-heavy offense remained a staple of their game.
- Field Goal Percentage: The Warriors shot 44.5% from the field, which was solid but not extraordinary. Their shooting, especially from three-point range, remained one of their strongest offensive assets.
- Three-Point Percentage: The team finished with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.1%, ranking in the middle of the pack. However, Curry and Thompson’s ability to hit long-range shots kept the Warriors’ offense dynamic.
- Defensive Rating: Defensively, the Warriors struggled, finishing with a defensive rating of 115.2, ranking 18th in the league. This marked a significant drop-off from their previous championship years, where their defense was a critical part of their success.
- Turnovers: The Warriors averaged 15.4 turnovers per game, which ranked 25th in the league. Their tendency to turn the ball over was a major factor in their inconsistency throughout the season.
The Future of the Golden State Warriors
As the 2023-2024 season came to a close, the Golden State Warriors were at a crossroads. While they still had one of the most potent offensive duos in Curry and Thompson, their aging core, defensive struggles, and inability to win on the road raised questions about the future direction of the team.
One of the most significant decisions for the Warriors moving forward will be how they handle their aging players. Green, who has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade, will soon be 35 years old. Klay Thompson, despite his resurgence, is also entering the later stages of his career. The Warriors will need to balance their current championship window with the development of young players like Kuminga and Moody.
Moreover, the Warriors’ decision to acquire Chris Paul, while a significant move, raises the question of how long the team can rely on their veteran leadership. At 39 years old, Paul’s window for winning a championship is shrinking, and the Warriors will need to make moves to keep their title aspirations alive.
The future of the Warriors also hinges on the performance of their young players. Kuminga and Moody will need to continue developing their games and contribute at a higher level in the coming seasons. If they can step up, the Warriors could have a sustainable future with a mix of youth and experience.
The 2023-2024 season was a season of both promise and disappointment for the Golden State Warriors. Despite the brilliance of Stephen Curry and the resurgence of Klay Thompson, the team’s struggles on defense and inconsistent play ultimately led to a disappointing end. The Warriors’ performance in the Play-In Tournament showed that even with a dynamic offense, they were not invincible.
Looking ahead, the Warriors must adapt to the changing landscape of the NBA. The team’s core is aging, and the need for roster changes and a retooling process is evident. However, with Curry still at the helm and a wealth of young talent waiting in the wings, the Warriors’ future remains filled with potential. As the team faces the inevitable transition from their championship dynasty to a new era, the 2023-2024 season will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history.
