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Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry and crew quietly ramping it up

By James Siegle

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 5: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 5: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Despite earlier inconsistencies, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are quietly hitting their stride as the postseason lurks around the corner.

Why have the Golden State Warriors‘ losses become the NBA world’s favorite narrative?

Last month’s blowout flop to the Boston Celtics was headline news. So was the clunker loss to the Phoenix Suns, and their recent 131-130 overtime defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The problem is, the positive streaks now go unnoticed.

These tough games are old news, for anyone paying attention. Stephen Curry and the Dubs are subtly stepping up…and they’re stepping up hard, baby.

The Warriors have suddenly won nine of their past 10 games, with the lone loss being that one-point OT loss in Minnesota. Several key players have risen up in this stretch.

Take Stephen Curry, for instance. In the past 12 games, he’s reached 25 points or better nine times, while knocking down at least five 3-pointers in 10 of these matchups. His assist game is also on point — he’s averaging 6.3 dimes per game over his past 11 contests. He’s done this while shooting 50 percent or better in five or the past six games.

DeMarcus Cousins is another encouraging story. He’s posted monster double-doubles in two of his past three games, while averaging 20.3 points and 10.7 rebounds a night in April. He’s quietly notched double-figure scoring in 18 of the past 19 contests, while nabbing two steals in each of his past three games.

Kevin Durant hasn’t netted huge scoring numbers as of late, but his efficiency has been phenomenal. He’s shooting a torrid 65.9 percent in April, nailing over 50 percent in seven of his past eight contests. He’s posted double-figure scoring in all 78 appearances this season, but what may be lesser known is he’s tallied six assists or better in each of the past six matchups.

Draymond Green has taken heat for tough shooting and locker room antics, yet he’s served as a positive influence in many regards lately. He’s posted five assists or better in the past eight games, while snagging eight rebounds or better in four of the past six contests. He’s also ironed out his stroke, hitting over 50 percent in four of the last five games.

The pressure on the Dubs in 2018-19 is higher than ever. The offseason acquisition of Cousins can partially account for this, but there’s more to it than that.

Live from Minneapolis, I had the honor of watching the NCAA Final Four in person. This is a prime setting to break down the difference between champions and dynasties.

Here’s a question: Who won the NCAA National Championship Monday night? Too easy? How about the winners of 2017’s championship? Or 2015’s?

The answer is the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils, respectively. Most fans can’t instantly recite this from memory, however. Neither of these squads has won more than one championship within the past several years.

Now let’s transition back to the NBA. Which squad was crowned NBA champions in 2017? How about 2015?

The answer to this two-part question is the same; the Dubs took it home both years. Far more fans know this answer instantly. Why?

It’s simple: Dynasties are memorable, while one-time champions are not. One championship hardly cements itself in the minds of fans, while a string of them does precisely that.

As the Warriors approach what could be a devastating offseason, this campaign suddenly takes on new meaning. This may be, practically speaking, the beginning of the end in the Bay Area. Durant, Thompson, Cousins and Green all have a way of exit, should they choose to take it.

This renders this last championship run supremely important. The Golden State Warriors are a dynasty, similar to the Miami Heat in the earlier 2000s, or the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. This may be the year that ends the run of success.

If so, the legacy is lifted with one final championship. Capping things off right reflects well on the Golden State dynasty down the road. Besides, what better way to convince free agents to stay?

Next. The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated for 2017-18). dark

It’s playoff time, Dub Nation, and your squad appears ready for it. The stakes may be higher than ever.

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