It’s funny how quickly narratives can shift in the NBA. Just a couple of seasons prior, the Golden State Warriors were navigating uncharted territory, dealing with injuries and a rebuilding phase. But then came the 2021-22 season, a year that felt like a triumphant return to form, culminating in a championship.
Looking back at that roster, you see a blend of established greatness and emerging talent. Steve Kerr, ever the steady hand, guided the team to a 53-29 record, good enough for third in the Western Conference. This wasn't just about wins and losses, though; the underlying metrics painted a picture of a team that was clicking on all cylinders. Their defensive rating was a league-best 106.9, a testament to their renewed commitment on that end of the floor. Offensively, they were solid, averaging 111.0 points per game, good for 15th, but their overall offensive rating of 112.5 and a net rating of +5.6 showed they were more than capable of putting points on the board when it mattered.
The preseason odds even hinted at something special, with championship odds at +900 and an over-under win total of 48.5. They comfortably surpassed that mark, and the real magic happened in the playoffs.
What followed was a masterclass in playoff basketball. They systematically dismantled the Denver Nuggets in the first round, then overcame a tough Memphis Grizzlies squad in the semifinals. The Western Conference Finals saw them dispatch the Dallas Mavericks with relative ease, setting the stage for a highly anticipated NBA Finals showdown against the Boston Celtics. And in a hard-fought series, the Warriors emerged victorious, clinching their fourth championship in eight seasons.
It was a season that reminded everyone of the Warriors' championship pedigree. While the specific player rosters for future seasons like 2025-26 are a different story, the 2021-22 team etched its place in history with a performance that was both dominant and inspiring.
