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Oakland Has Reasons for Being Optimistic

Not since the days of Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway has there been such a good vibe surrounding the Warriors. As opposed to previous years, the people of Oakland have actually something to cheer about other than the Raiders. Naturally, the hopes and dreams of the Warriors rest squarely on the shoulders of Baron Davis (or should I say back). Aside from a healthy Baron Davis the Warriors have welcomed back Troy Murphy who missed all of last season.

The other reason for their surprising record has been their competition. I imagine the Warriors rested a bit easier on their scant few off-days knowing that they had to face such juggernauts like Atlanta, Utah (twice), New York (twice), Portland, Toronto, New Orleans, Sacramento and Charlotte. Some might argue that there is no such thing as an easy game in the NBA, but if you have seen some of those teams play, you wouldn?t believe that argument.

We will know if this Warriors team is for real come December when the schedule gets turned up a notch. The upcoming slate of foes for the G-Men includes the likes of Phoenix, Detroit (twice), Denver and Dallas. There are still a few cupcake games in there for the Dubs (Toronto, Seattle and Boston). To make things worse, part of the December schedule includes a five game East Coast road swing. Naturally, that road trip includes no consecutive days off, just for old time?s sake.