Yes, the Bay Area would be upset if Draymond Green does not win Defensive Player of the Year. Yes, the Bay Area would be outraged if Stephen Curry does not win Most Valuable Player. But the anger will all go away if and when the Warriors reach the grandest stage in all of the National Basketball Association, a trip to the Finals.
With a near 70 win season, the expectations have risen to the point where anything short of an NBA Championship would be considered a disappointment to many Warrior fans. Holding a favorable 2-0 lead over the New Orleans Pelicans in the First Round is a commendable sign of what’s to come in these next several weeks.
The scary part for the rest of the league? The Warriors aren’t playing their best basketball, yet. They have been able to close out games against an inexperienced Pelicans team and despite Anthony Davis doing Anthony Davis things; the Warriors have held him in check during moments where it’s mattered most.
Golden State can play better. Much better. And they usually rise to the occasion when they have an opponent that they know can pose as a threat. If (they should) advance to the next round, a sharpshooting Blazers team or a physical Grizzlies team will be their next obstacle en route to their ultimate goal.
In the meantime, other announcements of individual awards will be made. Andre Iguodala and Mo Speights finished fourth and seventh respectively in 6th Man of the Year voting. Kerr finished second in Coach of the Year voting. It’s only a matter of time before the Warriors collect an individual award or two before it’s all said and done.
But with the Finals awaiting them in June, it’s the last of their worries.