Can the Warriors really win the NBA title?

Curry still at the heart of the project

At 38, Stephen Curry continues to show that he remains one of the most influential players in the league. Against Orlando on Saturday 7 November, the point guard scored 41 points to help Golden State win 126-119 after overtime. It was a top-level display, with 13 of 19 shots made, including five three-pointers, plus six rebounds and six assists.

The performance confirms his excellent start to the season. Over his last five outings, the guard is averaging 32.4 points, shooting 49% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc. He has also overtaken LeBron James for the number of games with at least 40 points after the age of 35, with 16 such games now.

His influence therefore remains decisive. But the Warriors' ambitions cannot rest solely on the performances of their point guard. To lay claim to the title, the franchise will need a collective capable of delivering over the long haul.

A team rediscovering its resources

That is precisely one of the lessons of this run. After losing their first three games, Steve Kerr's side have won their next seven. Their 120-100 win over Miami had already illustrated that progress. Trailing by ten points early on, they turned the game around thanks to better collective control.

The contribution of the bench is also a source of satisfaction. Against the Heat, Golden State's reserves scored 53 points, compared with 27 for Miami's. Draymond Green is also part of this momentum, thanks to his vision of the game and his ability to run the offence. He notably dished out 11 assists in that game.

Another encouraging factor is the emergence of Yaxel Lendeborg. The young forward, picked 11th in the last draft, brings energy and efficiency. Against Orlando, he contributed to the win with 23 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. He also produced an eye-catching display against the Clippers, scoring 37 points while Curry was absent.

This blend of established leaders and young players gives Steve Kerr more options. Above all, it allows Golden State not to depend exclusively on their main offensive leader.

The title, an objective still to be confirmed

Despite this impressive run, it would still be premature to regard the Warriors as serious title contenders. The regular season is only just beginning and the Western Conference remains particularly strong. The San Antonio Spurs, notably, have won eight straight, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are also continuing to improve.

Golden State will therefore have to confirm their progress against top-level opponents. The upcoming games, notably the scheduled trips to Houston and San Antonio, will give a better measure of this team's true level. The fixtures ahead will be a first test for a group that still has to prove its consistency.

The experience of Curry and Draymond Green is an advantage, as is Steve Kerr's ability to maintain his group's confidence despite the poor start. The coach had in fact urged his players to keep working without giving in to panic after the first three defeats.

The Warriors' last title dates back to June 2022, when Golden State beat the Boston Celtics in six games in the Finals, with Stephen Curry named the series' best player. The franchise has seven NBA titles in its history. Four years after that triumph, they appear to be rediscovering promising momentum.

The question now is whether this winning run marks the start of a genuine title campaign or simply an encouraging recovery. The Warriors have rediscovered their ambition, but they will still have several hurdles to clear before establishing themselves among the season's leading favourites.