Heading into Sunday’s season finale game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors hold the opportunity to secure a top-six seed in the playoff picture.
The Warriors control their own destiny on the pathway of vying for a second straight NBA title, marking would be a fifth championship in the last nine years. Star guard Klay Thompson remains quite confident in his team.
“I don’t see a team who can beat us in a seven-game series when we’re healthy,” Thompson said via ESPN.
The Warriors haven’t had any extended stretches where they have looked like serious NBA title contenders. Golden State also hasn’t fielded their full roster for much of the season.
All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins has missed the last several weeks due to personal reasons, while two-time league MVP Stephen Curry missed extended stretches due to injuries.
The Warriors have also struggled mightily on the road, holding a 10-30 record, which is fourth-worst in the league. Golden State has shown flashes of promise that has come with head-scratches displays where they look nothing like a team that can compete for another championship.
Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?
Sign up here!
However, Golden State possesses an experienced roster that can’t be counted out, especially with Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green leading the charge. They possess a strong core group that has gotten the job done through stiff playoff competition.
The question remains whether they can ramp it up and put the regular-season struggles behind them to vie for another NBA title. Time will tell if that can unfold.