The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who boast a remarkable 27-4 record, the best in franchise history. This impressive start surpasses even the 2016 championship squad that featured stars like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Cavaliers are on a hot streak, having won six straight games by an average margin of 19 points, including a previous victory over the Warriors last month.
As the Warriors prepare for this showdown at Chase Center, they are looking to capitalize on a six-game homestand to gain momentum heading into the new year. The challenge is significant due to Cleveland's towering frontcourt, featuring Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, who collectively pose a formidable obstacle for Golden State.
In their last encounter, the Warriors struggled defensively and failed to match the Cavaliers' pace, leading to a 136-117 loss. However, a potential strategy for success emerged during the second half of that game, where the Warriors' bench made a notable impact by increasing the tempo and forcing turnovers. Players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski will be crucial in maintaining this momentum, while Dennis Schröder's leadership of the second unit could prove vital in orchestrating both offense and defense.
For the Warriors to succeed, they will need their starters to play aggressively and keep the game competitive, allowing their bench to potentially swing the outcome against a Cavaliers team that has shown inconsistency in its defensive play.