Despite their victory against the Jazz on Sunday evening, the Warriors finished in 10th place in the Western Conference. Stephen Curry's teammates, however, have a good record (46th wins for 36 losses), and this is the first time that a 10th finisher has finished with such a high winning percentage. An almost unexpected result when we remember that at mid-season, the Wariors were 19-22 for their 41st match.
But, in the second half of the season, Steve Kerr's players finally found their cruising speed. Draymond Green returned from suspension, Klay Thompson regained confidence, Trayce Jackson-Davis found a place in the interior sector. Enough to give new impetus and a more than satisfactory end to the regular season.
Last two months of high quality
“Well, really, I’m happy with the last two months”, insists Kerr. “We were a little distraught for a while at the start of the season, trying to find ourselves…A lot of guys really stepped up not only on the field but off the field, in the locker room. »
Enough to approach this roadblock in Sacramento with a touch of optimism. “We have a very good connection in this team, good cohesion, guys who help each other and get the job done. I have good feelings about what awaits us. We still have a chance to do something special. »
A question of “life and death”
The Warriors have never found themselves in such a place when Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry were in good shape. In addition, Steph' Curry's teammates will discover the “play-in” for the first time. Finding yourself with your back against the wall, with the obligation to beat the Kings and then the defeated Pelicans – Lakers, is not to scare Draymond Green.
“It feels like winning is enough for us.”, synthesizes Green. “But it’s exciting. You know, it's like a matter of life and death. This is probably more like an NCAA tournament. It kind of gives you that feeling. You just have to win. »
Klay Thompson joins his teammate, and the “Splash Brother” doesn’t want to waste a chance to go to the playoffs. “We have a chance, and that’s all we asked for. We put ourselves in a position to succeed externally. We have played very well away, especially recently. This is obviously different than it was in 2022. But it doesn’t matter. It's still basketball. We have a lot of experience to draw on. »
Will the Warriors be able to capitalize on their recent good form? Answer, this Tuesday in Sacramento for the first “play-in” match against the Kings. A franchise that they beat in seven rounds last season, in the first round of the playoffs.
