The Golden State Warriors have had the best season in franchise history, compiling 34 wins and only six losses to put them atop the Western Conference rankings. This season comes after many years of rebuilding that have propelled this team to the level at which it plays today.

The additions of Stephen Curry in 2009 and Klay Thompson in 2011 have had sizable impacts on the team’s performance over the past years. With Curry averaging 23 points per game and Thompson averaging around 2, the Warriors look to make a deep run in the upcoming postseason.

The highlight of the team’s season comes with its 16 game win streak, beginning on Nov. 13 and ending on Dec. 16, the longest set of consecutive wins in franchise history. The win streak finally came to an end, with the Warriors facing defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. Winning their games by an average of 11.3 points, the Warriors have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

“The Warriors are the best team in the league this year. I really think they can win the championship,” Aathira Menon (11) said.

With a well-rounded and a young roster, the Golden State Warriors are poised to make history for their franchise.

The most impressive part of the Warriors’ season is the depth of its roster. With key players such as David Lee and Andrew Bogut missing a sizable number of games, Golden State has proved to have a second string of players that can rival the starting fives of other teams in the NBA.

The 49er’s season has been lackluster in comparison with their 8-8 record ending a three year streak of qualifying to the NFC Championship.

Poor performances from tight end Vernon Davis, quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and the offensive line, numerous injuries, and linebacker Aldon Smith’s two suspensions plagued the team.

Vernon Davis ended the season with two touchdowns and 245 yards compared to his thirteen touchdowns and 850 yards last year. Colin Kaepernick also had a dip in performance throwing ten intercepted passes while getting sacked 52 times.

The lack of key players hindered the team. The defense of the team failed to perform at its highest level with pivotal players including Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, and Aldon Smith playing a minimal number games due to a toe injury, a knee injury, and a suspension for the violation of the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policy.

Once the season had concluded, former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh left due to disagreements with management and was replaced with Jim Tomsula. Harbaugh coached the 49ers for four years and was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2011. He will be coaching for the University of Michigan next season.

Harbaugh’s departure generated controversy within the fan base.

“I’m not in assent with the firing of Jim Harbaugh since he was one of the best coaches we’ve ever had,” Sushant Thayagaraj (9) said. “Since 2011 when he came, he not only brought us to the Super Bowl but also to the championships three straight times.”

With a new coach and plenty of room for improvement, the 49ers have great potential for the next season.

The San Jose Sharks have had a fairly inconsistent season, currently holding a 25-17-6 record to put them in second place in the tough Pacific Division.

Centers Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture lead the team with 24 and 18 goals respectively.

Beating the Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 21, the Sharks hope that the win will help them improve on their performance throughout the rest of the season.

The team’s average performance is attributed to the apparent lack of internal drive. Players, coaches, and fans have all expressed concern over whether or not the Sharks are capable of handling a tough upcoming schedule.

The San Jose Sharks will play their next game against the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 29.

This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on January 28, 2015.