After Smart Mini-Rebuild, Warriors Once Again Title Favorites

The Warriors’ emerging dynasty was put on hold when Klay Thompson missed two consecutive seasons with injuries and Kevin Durant left in 2019.

Now, Steph Curry and co. look like the team to beat this year after advancing to the second round with their 4-1 thumping of the Nuggets.

The Warriors are back thanks to a miniature rebuild that reinforced the core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.

In the process, they’ve formed a new “Death Lineup” reminiscent of the 2014-19 version that destroyed teams with its fast-paced, small-ball rotation.

• Curry, Thompson, Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole combined for 102 points on 64% FG and 54% 3PT (+26) over the Nuggets series.
• The Warriors’ February 2020 trade for former No. 1 pick Wiggins ($31.6M) is paying off — he made his first All-Star team this year and averaged 17.2 PPG.
• Poole ($3.9M), selected with the 28th pick in 2019, is shooting 48.4% from 3PT this postseason, the highest on the team (min. 15 ATT).

The Warriors have won 19 of 21 playoff series since 2015 — but only their Big Three, Andre Iguodala, and coach Steve Kerr remain from that original squad.

They have the NBA’s highest payroll ($179M) for a second straight year, which will likely stay that way with Poole eligible for an extension.

With everyone healthy, it’s their championship to lose. GS is currently the favorite (+300) to win it all for the first time since 2017-18.