Steve Kerr states Warriors are aware they are headed for the play-in tournament.
BOSTON — Following a sixth defeat in their last seven matches, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed the stark reality his team has been confronting for several weeks as it approaches the conclusion of the regular season.
“Can we prepare ourselves for the play-in (bracket)?” Kerr inquired. “We’re going to be in the play-in. We know that.”
The defeat dropped the Warriors to 10th place in the standings, a half-game behind the Portland Trail Blazers. There is no immediate threat behind them, as all five teams outside the Western Conference playoff race are at least nine games behind with 13 games remaining.
Thus, there is no further decline possible for the Warriors. However, there is also limited opportunity for advancement. Golden State’s 120-99 loss on the road in Boston on Wednesday night brought their record to 33-36, nine games behind the Denver Nuggets (and a guaranteed top-six playoff position) and six games behind the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns.
“We’ve had our eyes on six for a while,” Kerr stated. “That’s out of the question now. We’re not getting there. If we can string together some victories, aiming for eighth would be ideal. That would give us two chances at (making the playoffs). But we know we’re not getting to seven.”
Amid this challenging period, there are indications of slight hope.
Warriors star Stephen Curry has been sidelined for the last 19 games due to a persistent right knee issue, but he is accompanying the team on this road trip and has been ramping up his on-court activities. He engaged in some light contact drills while in Boston, and there is internal optimism that he may be cleared for a scrimmage before the end of this trip, potentially allowing for his return before March concludes.
The Warriors held a 27-22 record on the night Curry was forced to sit out a loss to Detroit due to his knee issue. They have since recorded a 6-13 mark.
Their most recent defeat was a 21-point loss in Boston, where they struggled against the Celtics’ offensive strength. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 56 points, but Kerr expressed greater concern over the subtle errors, careless fouls in the third quarter, and the tendency to allow back-cuts on defense.
“We have to be ready for when we get players back, when Steph returns, along with Moses (Moody) and Al (Horford),” Kerr remarked. “If we are prepared for their return, we can make an impact and go on a run. But we cannot afford game-plan errors; we need to establish better habits, box out, and manage the ball in transition.”
The Warriors have identified the eighth seed as their new objective, as it would secure them a guaranteed home game in the play-in bracket, providing two chances to win one game and at least a possibility to avoid facing the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder if they advance.
The LA Clippers, currently in eighth place, have lost three straight games, leaving an opportunity open. The Warriors are one game behind and will face the Clippers on the final day of the regular season.
However, that is still nearly four weeks away. In the interim, Kerr is urging the team to cultivate better habits before Curry’s return, but their ultimate outcome is largely predetermined.
“We know it doesn’t matter if we win 13 games or lose 13 games,” forward Gui Santos stated. “We’re going to be playing (in the play-in).”
