The Golden State Warriors are in a precarious spot-and that might be putting it kindly. As of now, they’re clinging to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, which means they’ll have to survive the play-in tournament just to get a crack at the actual playoffs.
And if they do? It’s either the top-seeded Thunder or the defending champion Nuggets waiting in Round 1.
Not exactly a warm welcome.
On “The Zach Lowe Show” earlier this week, ESPN’s Zach Lowe laid it out plainly: it’s very hard to see this version of the Warriors winning a playoff series. And when you look at the state of the roster and the West, it’s hard to argue.
Let’s just say this: if Steph Curry drops 48 points in a regular-season game against Portland and the Warriors still lose by five, what exactly is he going to have to do to beat Denver or Oklahoma City in a seven-game series? Drop 80? Channel his inner Wilt Chamberlain?
This is not what Golden State had in mind when they made their move for Jimmy Butler last season. That trade wasn’t about staying competitive-it was about chasing another ring.
And anything short of a championship this year? That’s a letdown.
A first-round exit would be a disaster. A second-round finish like last season?
Still not enough. Even a trip to the conference finals might not satisfy the expectations that come with this roster, this payroll, and this core.
There’s still time left in the season, which is both a blessing and a curse. The Warriors have a chance to turn things around-but that also means there’s plenty of time for things to unravel further if they don’t.
Injuries have taken their toll. Steph missed five games with a quad issue.
Jimmy Butler’s dealt with knee trouble. Al Horford has been sidelined for more than half the season, mostly due to rest and a nagging sciatic nerve issue.
And this isn’t a young group. Draymond Green, at 35, is the youngest of that trio.
That’s a red flag when you’re trying to make a deep playoff run in a conference loaded with younger, faster, healthier teams.
This season is starting to feel like a race against the clock. Steph Curry is still playing at an elite level-there’s no question about that-but he’s 37, and the window to win with him as the focal point is narrowing.
The trade deadline is creeping up, and January 15 looms large. That’s when the Warriors can include Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages.
His salary could be the swing piece in a deal that either reinvigorates this team or leaves them stuck in the middle. It’s a crucial decision, and the front office knows it.
No pressure.
The truth is, you can never fully count out Steph Curry. He’s one of the few players in the league who can single-handedly flip a game-or a series.
But the last two losses were another reminder of the harsh reality: Curry can’t do it alone. Not anymore.
Not at this stage.
Unless something changes-whether it’s health, a trade, or a sudden surge in chemistry-the Warriors could be looking at an early exit. And that’s if they make it out of the play-in.