After falling short in the second round of the playoffs last year, the Golden State Warriors came into this season with championship aspirations. Led by the trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, Golden State was expected to be a threat in the West.
That all came to a screeching halt when Butler tore his ACL during the first half of the season and the Warriors have not been the same since then. They acquired Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, but he has been in and out of the lineup, and Curry has been dealing with a nagging injury for almost two months now.
Golden State has clinched a play-in spot in the West even with their chaotic season. If they can somehow manage to get Curry back, they could finish the year better than people think.
If the Warriors draw the Spurs in round one, it could be a tough series
Granted, San Antonio has been one of the league’s most dominant teams since the new year, but for some odd reason, Golden State has had their number this season.
With Curry in the lineup, the Warriors are 2-0. He is averaging 48 points per game in those two matchups, giving the Spurs fits with his constant movement and shooting.
Curry’s presence really stretches out San Antonio’s defense, which thrives when they are able to funnel everything towards Victor Wembanyama. Curry doesn’t let that happen and everything Golden State does is perimeter-oriented with him.
The Warriors would have a much better shot in a matchup with the Spurs if they had Butler. They likely won’t have enough firepower to contend with San Antonio, and with the injury to Moses Moody, who is also out for the season, any puncher’s chance Golden State had at advancing is pretty much gone.
However, Curry has shown that he can put teams on his back for a game or two. The Spurs do not really have an answer for him and his shooting, so that factor alone could make it a six game series.That
The Warriors have had a lost season. It has not gone according to plan and who knows what their offseason will look like and if Curry even comes back this year. If he does though and Golden State can make its way through the play-in and match up with San Antonio, it could be a fun series.