After a torrid start to the season, the Warriors are starting to feel the effects of injuries, the re-acclimation of Klay Thompson to the lineup and overall midseason malaise.
They have fallen back three games behind the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference standings, but they are holding steady, having won three of their last four games.
Here are some notes and observations about the last week of action:
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1) Damion Lee is heating up
Lee's season has been a rollercoaster ride so far. Dealing with an early-season injury, a stint in the Health and Safety Protocols, and the birth of his first child Daxon, Lee has been in and out of the lineup on a few occasions. The absences might have affected his rhythm in his play as well.
He started off the season on fire, putting up over 14 points per game and shooting 50 percent from deep over the first six games. In the 18 games after that opening stretch, however, Lee struggled to find his stroke, shooting 38 percent overall and 21 percent from long range.
It looks like that rough stretch is over, though. Over the last 12 games, Lee is averaging 8.5 points per game, on 56 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent from deep. With a majority of the Warriors roster having difficulties finding consistency with their 3 point shooting of late, Lee's resurgence is a very welcome sight.
Golden State Warriors
2) Otto Porter is a defensive menace
When the Warriors signed Porter in the offseason, it was assumed that the team simply got a good stretch-forward to space the floor. Little did anyone know that they also were signing a defensive stalwart.
Porter has blossomed on the defensive end for the Dubs, especially as his health and conditioning improved over the last couple months. Per 36 minutes, Porter is matching or exceeding his personal career-highs in blocks (0.8) and steals (1.9). In five of the last 12 games, Porter has accumulated three or more steals. In his prior two seasons combined, Porter only had three such games of the 42 played.
This season Porter has also tied his career game-high in steals (five) and set a new game-best in blocks (four).
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Oh, and he is shooting over 40 percent from deep as well.
3) Kevon Looney is playing better than ever
Warriors fans have come to know Kevon Looney as the quiet, steady center that puts up solid games without having many eye-popping statistics to show for it.
Well, he is still quiet, steady and solid, but he is also putting up some impressive rebounding numbers to go with it.
Over the last nine games, Looney is averaging seven points per game on 60 percent shooting. More significantly, however, Looney is putting up 11 rebounds per game, including nearly four and a half offensive boards. While on the court over this stretch, Looney has accumulated a plus-57 plus-minus.
Looney has been the only true center on the active roster for the Warriors this season, and he has played so well that the Warriors feel like they are set at the position while they await James Wiseman's return.