Warriors Secure Win Against Blazers, Focus on Playoff Positioning
PORTLAND — Shortly after the final whistle blew on their 103-86 victory against the shorthanded Blazers, Mike Dunleavy summarized the situation for Steve Kerr.
Playoff Scenario for Golden State
The Warriors are in a position where they have three possible home games to secure a playoff spot. In simple terms, their fate hinges on their upcoming performance.
Final Regular Season Game Against Clippers
To lock in a place for a seven-game playoff series, Golden State (48-33) must defeat the Clippers in their regular-season finale at Chase Center on Sunday. A victory in this 12:30 p.m. matchup would earn the Warriors the sixth seed, while a loss would push them down to seventh, forcing them to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first play-in game.
Players Reflect on Upcoming Challenge
“I don’t want to be too dramatic, but it should feel like a Game 7 kind of atmosphere,” remarked Steph Curry. The players were curious about the playoff scenarios while in the visitor’s locker room, eager to grasp the various tiebreakers affecting their position.
Control Over Their Destiny
Despite a previous loss to the Spurs, the Warriors still dictate their future: they simply need to win against the Clippers. “I’m very proud of the team, 48 wins with one game left, especially considering our midseason struggles,” Kerr stated, praising their remarkable turnaround in recent months.
Potential Playoff Seedings and Implications
The Warriors’ potential seeding is affected by various outcomes, particularly if the Timberwolves succeed against the Jazz. They can fall to seventh, facing the Grizzlies in a win-or-go-home scenario, or rise to sixth, setting the stage for matchups against the Lakers, Rockets, or Thunder.
Importance of Rest and Preparation
A win on Sunday not only secures a playoff series but also provides the Warriors with a much-needed week off. This break would be particularly beneficial for Curry, who is managing a thumb injury, and for Draymond Green, who has been playing through physical fatigue. Kerr emphasized the need to refine their game, noting that recent performance lacks the rhythm they have previously exhibited.
Stakes Acknowledged by Warriors
With an understanding of the high stakes, Curry articulated the pressure: “Winning guarantees control over our playoff destiny. Losing means uncertainty. We’re striving to be a team that excels in critical situations.” The Warriors are ready for the challenge ahead.
