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They're the hottest team in the NBA, with a record (19-2) that exceeds rational forecast or reasonable expectation.
And while the Warriors have spent a disproportionate amount of time away from Oracle Arena, the travel demands have been cushioned by a schedule featuring a succession of inferior teams.
We take this into account as the Warriors conclude the first quarter of the 2014-15 season under rookie coach Steve Kerr.
Here is the report card for the starting lineup:
Harrison Barnes: B
After visible regression coming off the bench last season, Barnes is back in the starting lineup and producing. He's rebounding well, shooting with accuracy and being more efficient overall. The Warriors privately want a bit more consistency from a forward drafted seventh overall in 2012, but "HB" has been a positive player.
Barnes can raise his grade by limiting those occasions during which he seems to disappear while still on the court.
Draymond Green: A-
With incumbent starting power forward David Lee sidelined for practically the entire first quarter, Green has moved into the starting lineup and excelled. He's hyperactive, a plus-defender who is establishing himself as a shooter that must be defended beyond the arc. Green has been the "stretch-four" of Steve Kerr's dreams.
Green can raise his grade by finishing at the rim with greater consistency.
Andrew Bogut: A-
If a Warriors MVP vote were taken today, the 7-foot center would get some votes. He has been superb protecting the paint and, as a fabulous bonus, he is a central figure as a playmaker in the dynamic offense installed by Alvin Gentry and Kerr. Who knew Bogues could be a difference-maker at both ends?
Bogut can improve his grade by becoming more of a scoring threat on the block.
Klay Thompson: A-
After spending the first couple weeks validating the $69 million extension that begins next season, Thompson has settled into being the best two-way shooting guard in the league. His free-throw attempts have doubled and his 43.1 percent 3-point shooting is considerably higher than any of his previous three seasons.
Thompson can raise his grade simply by adding a few more rebounds and assists.
Stephen Curry: A-
With terrific playmaking, great court generalship and remarkable shooting from all over the court, Curry has placed himself among the early contenders for the league MVP award. Early turnovers and a career-low 3-point shooting percentage are the primary reasons he doesn't enter the second quarter with a solid A.
Curry can raise his grade by shooting as he has in the past and continuing to decrease his turnovers.
