As the Golden State Warriors find themselves in the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, the play-in tournament seems to be their destiny once more. It's a familiar path for the Warriors, having navigated the play-in waters as the No. 9 seed in 2020-21, the No. 10 seed in 2023-24, and the No. 7 seed in 2024-25. Despite their experience, they've yet to make the playoffs through this route.
Warriors star Draymond Green isn’t shy about expressing his frustration. On “The Draymond Green Show,” he candidly shared, “I’m sick of the play-in.
It seems like we’re a play-in magnet. It sucks, but it’s great when you want an opportunity to get into the playoffs.
And that is the reality for us.”
Green emphasized the importance of building strong habits, especially with key players like Steph Curry, Moses Moody, Al Horford, and Seth Curry working their way back from injuries. “We have to continue building great habits and get better,” he stated, highlighting the need for readiness when these stars return.
Curry's absence, due to patellofemoral pain syndrome, looms large as the team struggles, dropping eight of their last ten games. Climbing into the top six of the Western Conference seems a daunting task.
Green also pointed out the benefits of avoiding the play-in. “If you’re not in the play-in, you get a week off,” he noted.
This rest period is crucial for recovery and mental reset before the playoffs. Yet, he acknowledged the play-in's persistent pull, saying, “I feel like the play-in attracts us.”
Despite injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and Curry, Green remains pragmatic. “It doesn’t matter.
It is what it is. We are in the play-in.”
The Warriors will re-evaluate Curry soon, hoping to get their two-time MVP back on the court. With 13 games left in the regular season, the margin for error is razor-thin if they wish to escape the play-in scenario, even with Curry’s potential return.