The Golden State Warriors are facing a crucial stretch in their season, and things are getting intense. After an electric 6-1 homestand, they hit the road for a six-game trip, hoping to maintain momentum. But the road hasn’t been too kind so far. Without their superstar Steph Curry, who’s sidelined due to a pelvic contusion, the Warriors have stumbled in back-to-back losses against two struggling Eastern Conference teams—the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat. Those losses have made their playoff positioning a little more uncertain, but the battle is far from over.
Despite those setbacks, the Warriors still managed to hold a spot in ESPN’s weekly NBA power rankings, though they did slide a bit. After sitting at No. 8 last week, they dropped one place to No. 9 in the rankings released for the week of March 23. The Memphis Grizzlies edged ahead of them, while the Minnesota Timberwolves rounded out the top 10. Every game from here on out is going to be a fight, and the Warriors know it.
As of now, Golden State holds a 41-31 record and sits in the No. 6 seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. But their position is anything but secure. The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are breathing down their necks, trailing by just 0.5 games in the standings. With only 10 games left in the regular season, the race is heating up, and every single game could be the difference between securing a solid playoff spot or falling into a tougher play-in battle.
Looking ahead, the Warriors still have four road games remaining on this trip. Up next is a clash against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, a game that could be pivotal in their push for a better playoff seed. Following that, they’ll face the San Antonio Spurs, then go head-to-head with the Grizzlies, and finally wrap up their road journey against the Los Angeles Lakers. These games won’t be easy, and the team will need to dig deep without Curry leading the charge.
One silver lining? Once they return from this road trip, the Warriors will have a bit of a break from traveling. They only have two more road games left in the regular season after this trip, which means they’ll have a chance to take advantage of home-court support. That could be a huge factor in how they finish the season and where they ultimately land in the playoff bracket.
So, what’s the game plan for the Warriors moving forward? First and foremost, they need to find ways to win without Curry. While his absence is a massive blow, this team has depth, experience, and championship pedigree. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will have to step up big time, while younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody could see increased roles. Jordan Poole, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will also need to bring his A-game consistently.
Another key factor? Defense. Golden State thrives when their defense is locked in, creating fast-break opportunities and allowing them to play at their preferred pace. Lately, their defensive intensity has been inconsistent, and that needs to change if they want to make a deep postseason run. Coach Steve Kerr will surely emphasize tightening up on that end of the floor in these final games.
Then there’s the three-point shooting—the Warriors’ bread and butter. Even without Curry, they can still be lethal from beyond the arc. The challenge is getting good looks and knocking them down efficiently. Role players like Donte DiVincenzo and Kevon Looney will also need to contribute in other areas, whether it’s rebounding, hustle plays, or setting solid screens to free up shooters.
The Western Conference playoff race is a wild one, and the Warriors are right in the thick of it. The margin for error is razor-thin, and with teams like the Clippers, Timberwolves, and even the Lakers fighting for positioning, Golden State can’t afford any more slip-ups. Every possession, every defensive stop, and every clutch bucket will matter in these final 10 games.
While the journey ahead won’t be easy, this team has been through the fire before. They’ve faced adversity, overcome injuries, and defied expectations time and time again. Now, it’s about proving they can still compete at an elite level—even without their MVP.
The countdown to the playoffs has begun, and for the Warriors, the mission is clear: survive, fight, and find a way to stay in the mix. The next few weeks will define their season, and fans are in for a rollercoaster ride. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a thrilling finish to the regular season!
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