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The 2021-22 NBA preseason wrapped up on Friday, October 15th, with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Portland Trail Blazers.
Preseason results don't go into the record books, but they help teams gauge their preparedness ahead of the regular season. Teams with settled lineups get to test themselves in different scenarios. So winning preseason games helps them gain momentum heading into the regular season.
This year, five teams across both conferences won all their preseason games, with three of them hailing from the NBA's Western Conference. Even though it was only preseason, these teams did enough to make heads turn as they prepare to replicate their showings in the regular season.
On that note, here's a look at the three NBA Western Conference teams who impressed the most this preseason:
#3 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks made major changes to their squad this offseason. They parted ways with long-time head coach Rick Carlisle, and replaced him with former player Jason Kidd. Their goal this season is to make a deep playoff run and capitalize on the presence of their talisman Luka Doncic.
There were doubts regarding the Mavericks' ability to achieve their goals heading into the offseason. One of the reasons behind that was team chemistry. There was speculation that the team's two leading stars, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, did not get along. However, that perception seems to have changed after the latter shone for the team during the 2021 NBA preseason.
Porzingis was easily the Dallas Mavericks' best player this preseason, behind Doncic. He even claimed that he was put into comfortable situations, which has helped him do well. The developing chemistry between Doncic and Porzingis has spread some much-needed positivity throughout the entire roster.
That helped the Mavs win all four of their 2021 NBA preseason games. They defeated the Utah Jazz, LA Clippers, Charlotte Hornets and defending champions Milwaukee Bucks. Dallas' key players played the first three games, while their second-string unit took care of a fairly strong Bucks team in their last preseason outing.
If Porzingis stays healthy for large swathes of the NBA season and produces an All-Star-caliber campaign, the Mavericks will fancy their chances of a deep playoff run.
#2 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors head into the 2021-22 NBA season as one of the title favorites. They are the fourth-most likely team to win the title, as per oddsmakers. The Warriors are without key players like Klay Thompson and James Wiseman right now. So many believe it could be an uphill task for Stephen Curry and Draymond Green to help the team stay afloat till Thompson returns.
The Warriors went 5-0 in the 2021-22 preseason, with all their main players and reserves shining. That helped the Dubs dispel all doubts regarding their ability to succeed without Thompson. Their offseason recruitment of players like Otto Porter Jr., Andre Iguodala and Nemanja Bjelica has turned out to be successful too.
Moreover, young players like Jordan Poole and Damian Lee have also delivered strong performances. The Dubs' most impressive win was against the LA Lakers when the two teams locked horns with each other for the second time this preseason on October 12th.
Golden State played without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but still won 111-99 against a Lakers team that had LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. That performance showed that the Warriors have the depth and the talent to win the Western Conference, unlike in the last campaign.
#1 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are looking to end their 15-year playoff drought this season. Given how they have constructed their roster, it won't be surprising to see them end their long postseason drought.
The Kings have a decent blend of youth and experience this time. Rookies Davion Mitchell and Terence Davis have boosted their chances of having an impressive season. Meanwhile, Tristan Thompson and De'Aaron Fox's leadership could prove to be key to their success as well.
Sacramento faced some of the strongest teams in the West. like LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns and LA Lakers, this preseason. They managed to score well over 100 points in all these fixtures. Luke Walton's side have improved massively in defense too. They should be a team to look out for once the NBA regular season begins.
Guess the Lakers players!
