The Golden State Warriors have been on a roller coaster ride so far in the 2025-26 season. They have a 6-5 record after 11 games, but could have been better had they won the game against the Milwaukee Bucks and the first game against the Indiana Pacers.
The competitiveness of the Western Conference for the 2025-26 season is at an elite level. As the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder have an impressive record so far this year, losing only one game. When compared to contemporaries like the Golden State Warriors, the Thunder are significantly ahead of the team with a 6-5 record.
Steve Kerr’s Warriors have yet to reach their potential because they haven’t consistently come together as a team. Stephen Curry hasn’t hit second gear yet, as he has missed multiple games due to illness.
Other than unexpected losses to the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, the Warriors have remained competitive despite promising results. Kerr believes that their potential remains untapped because they have not yet found their identity.
Despite criticism of the Warriors’ age, they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the West. Curry was solid when he played, leading Golden State with an average of 26.8 points per game.
But it’s no longer just about Curry, as the rest of the Warriors are doing well. That includes Jonathan Kuminga, who has been reliable with 15.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Jimmy Butler continues to show off his all-around ability, averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
There’s some wiggle room considering the Warriors weren’t completely healthy to start the year. But when they get everyone back, the Warriors will be a dangerous team because they have all the tools they need.
We have a veteran group that can both score and defend. They aren’t the fastest team in the league, but they are effective when locked in. Kerr believes the team’s potential has yet to be unleashed and is waiting for it.
“We didn’t play very well, obviously at the end of the fourth and third quarter, that’s when we started to see some flow. Overall we haven’t played very well, but I have confidence in this team,” Kerr said after the win over the Pacers.
“It’s going to be a tough trip with two back-to-back games. If we can get through the early part of the schedule, stay healthy and win a few games, we’ll be in good shape for the rest of the season.”
“You can picture the team. You know what we’re going to be. But we don’t really have our own identity yet.”
Most people discuss the Warriors’ core group and how well they fit into their roles. But the role players stood out, especially rookie guard Will Richard. He was the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but became one of Kerr’s Warriors’ biggest contributors off the bench.
Considering the Warriors have players like Curry and De’Anthony Melton returning soon, the Warriors could potentially reach their full potential. This is a formidable opponent for any team in the league, especially one led by the superstar duo of Curry and Butler.
They are by no means championship favorites, but they could be giant killers in the West. With their experienced core, they will be a formidable opponent when the playoffs come around in April 2026.