As I sit here watching Steph Curry drain another impossible three-pointer, I can't help but wonder: Will the Golden State Warriors make a deep NBA playoffs run this season? This question has been haunting Warriors fans since that heartbreaking 2019 Finals loss, and honestly, I've lost count of how many times I've debated this with friends at local Bay Area sports bars. The optimism around the team feels different this year - there's a tangible energy that reminds me of the early championship years.
Looking back at last season's play-in tournament exit still stings. The Warriors finished 39-33, barely scraping into the postseason only to get eliminated by the Lakers in a game where we clearly missed that championship composure. But what's got me genuinely excited this time around is Klay Thompson's situation. I've followed his recovery journey closely, and there were moments last season where he looked like a shadow of his former self. However, with the contract extension and the 50th Season opening in October, he looks headed for full recovery after a long wait. I watched him drop 42 points against Sacramento last week, and the way he moved without the ball - that was the Klay we remember.
The core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green has played 642 regular season games together, winning three championships in the process. That institutional knowledge matters more than people realize, especially during playoff pressure. Just last night, I was analyzing their offensive sets from the Phoenix game, and the chemistry between these veterans creates advantages that stats can't fully capture. Draymond's basketball IQ remains off the charts - he's averaging 8.9 assists per game as a forward, which is just ridiculous when you think about it.
Still, I have concerns about their bench depth. When I compared their second unit to teams like Denver or Milwaukee, the scoring drops by nearly 12 points per 100 possessions. That's significant come playoff time. Jonathan Kuminga shows flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent - I've seen him score 25 points one night then disappear completely the next. Their center rotation worries me too, with Kevon Looney's rebounding numbers down by 15% from last season.
The Western Conference landscape looks brutal this year. Denver's core remains intact, Phoenix added Bradley Beal, and Memphis gets Ja Morant back. But here's what gives me hope: the Warriors have been here before. I remember talking to a team insider who mentioned how their championship experience creates a "playoff mode" that other teams can't replicate. They've won 18 playoff series since 2015 - only the Cavaliers come close with 13 during that span.
Financial constraints will likely break up this core soon, with the team's luxury tax bill projected to hit $189 million. This creates undeniable urgency - this might be their last legitimate shot with the current roster. I've noticed Steve Kerr experimenting with smaller lineups recently, perhaps preparing for specific playoff matchups.
Ultimately, whether the Golden State Warriors make a deep NBA playoffs run hinges on health and whether their veterans can summon that championship DNA one more time. As someone who's watched nearly every game since 2012, I'm cautiously optimistic. They have the talent and experience, but the margin for error is thinner than ever. The West is stacked, but if any team can defy expectations, it's these Warriors. I'm predicting they'll reach the Western Conference Finals before falling to Denver in six games - though I'd love to be proven wrong and see them lift another trophy.
