James Harden on the Golden State Warriors: A Candid Reflection

When I sit down and think about the Golden State Warriors, it’s hard to sum up everything in just a few sentences or even a paragraph. The Warriors aren’t just another team in the NBA; they represent a defining era of basketball, one that has reshaped the game and left an indelible mark on all of us players who have had to face them. Over the years, the feelings I’ve had toward Golden State have evolved — from respect and admiration to frustration and rivalry, and sometimes a mix of all those emotions rolled into one.

Let me start with the respect. The Warriors, especially during their championship runs from 2015 to 2019, were nothing short of incredible. What they built in Golden State transcended just winning games — they changed the culture of basketball. Their style was revolutionary: pace, space, shooting from deep, unselfish ball movement. It was a new kind of basketball that forced everyone to rethink how to play and how to defend. You can’t help but admire that kind of innovation.

Steph Curry is the obvious centerpiece of that success, and as a fellow guard, I have always admired his work ethic and his commitment to the craft. The way he shoots, moves without the ball, and stays confident no matter the pressure — that’s inspiring. Watching him grow from a young player doubted for his size and style into a two-time MVP and one of the greatest shooters ever has been something special. I respect that journey because I know how much work it takes to get there.

Draymond Green brings a different kind of value to that team. He’s a defensive stalwart, a vocal leader, and the emotional heart of the Warriors. Sometimes people focus too much on his intensity or his occasional outbursts, but underneath it all, he’s a player who elevates those around him. His basketball IQ and defensive versatility make Golden State a nightmare to play against. I respect how he embraces that role and brings his energy every night.

Klay Thompson — the Silent Assassin. People don’t always notice the quiet ones, but Klay’s ability to get hot and explode for 30 or 40 points in a quarter is unreal. And beyond the scoring, his commitment to defense against some of the best players in the league is key. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the spotlight but is absolutely crucial to the team’s success. There’s a level of professionalism and dedication in how he prepares and performs that I admire deeply.

And of course, their coach, Steve Kerr. The guy’s a chess master when it comes to basketball strategy. He’s been able to manage egos, injuries, and intense playoff battles with a calm and confident demeanor. He’s one of those coaches who doesn’t just call plays but builds a culture of trust and accountability. That’s a huge part of why the Warriors have been able to sustain success over time. I have a ton of respect for what he’s done.

But respect doesn’t mean it’s easy playing against them. Far from it. The Warriors have been the team to beat for almost a decade now, and for players like me who want to win championships, facing Golden State in the playoffs or finals often felt like climbing a mountain.

I’m not going to lie — there’s been frustration. Watching the Warriors dominate, sometimes seemingly effortlessly, has stung. I’ve been on teams trying to topple them, and the way they move the ball, the chemistry they have, it feels like you’re constantly playing catch-up. The Warriors force you to be better defensively and offensively. They push you to your limits mentally and physically. And when you lose, it’s hard not to feel that sting, especially when you know you’ve given your all.

The Warriors had this aura during those years, a kind of invincibility. They would go on runs in games that felt like nothing you could do could stop them. That’s tough as a competitor because you want to believe you can beat anyone on any night. But Golden State made you doubt that sometimes.

I remember facing them in the playoffs, and you could feel the energy in the arena. The crowd was electric, and the Warriors thrived in that environment. It’s intimidating. As a player, you have to compartmentalize all that noise and pressure, but that doesn’t always make it easier. You want to silence the crowd, but sometimes, the Warriors would feed off that energy and turn it into more momentum.

Beyond the on-court battles, there’s also been the frustration of dealing with the media narratives. The Warriors were often labeled as a superteam, and while there’s truth in that with the collection of talent they had, it sometimes overshadowed the grind and hard work it took to get there. As someone who’s also been on teams with high expectations, I know how frustrating it can be when people just write you off or assume things are handed to you.

As the years went on, I had time to reflect more on what the Warriors represent in the bigger picture of basketball. It’s easy to get caught up in rivalry and competition and forget the bigger impact. The Warriors brought a new style of play that many teams, including the ones I’ve been a part of, have tried to emulate. They showed that shooting and spacing could open up so many possibilities on offense and that defense and toughness still mattered a lot.

They also changed the narrative about small-market teams and the power of building through culture and smart drafting. Golden State wasn’t always a juggernaut — they had their struggles and rebuilding phases. The way they stayed committed to their core group and kept improving is a lesson in patience and belief.

For me personally, facing the Warriors pushed me to improve my own game. When you’re up against the best, you either rise or fall. I had to find ways to be more efficient, smarter with the ball, and more aggressive when it counted. That competitive fire has made me a better player and person. It’s one thing to admire greatness from afar, but it’s another to compete directly and try to break through.

Now, with the Warriors going through some changes and new challenges, it feels like a new chapter is opening. They’re still a great team, still dangerous, but the NBA landscape is shifting. New stars are emerging, and the balance of power is always in flux.

I don’t see the Warriors as just rivals anymore — I see them as part of the story of the league, part of the journey every player goes through trying to leave their mark. The respect I have for them has only grown, but so has my appreciation for the competition and the role they play in pushing the league forward.

In the end, the Warriors remind me why I love this game — the passion, the skill, the highs and lows, the brotherhood, and the challenge to be the best. They’ve set a high bar, and that motivates me to keep grinding.

So yeah, when I think about the Golden State Warriors, it’s a complex mix of feelings. Respect for their greatness, frustration at their dominance, admiration for their style, and a competitive fire to one day stand on top and say, “We did it too.”

They’re part of the NBA’s history now — a team that changed how the game is played and understood. For me, facing them has been one of the defining challenges of my career, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.