Golden State Warriors: A Golden Opportunity Lies Ahead

After battling through a slump and facing their toughest stretch of games, the Golden State Warriors have a prime opportunity ahead of them. Golden State can take advantage in order to build momentum for postseason success.

When you are the Golden State Warriors and have been labeled NBA title favorites since the start of the season, you have little to no margin of error, at least in the eyes of the media. Any sign of struggle or fatigue will be overanalyzed, and their recent slump was no exception.

After losing all-star Kevin Durant to injury, playing eight games in eight cities, resulting in a 3-5 record in those contests, it was assumed that the Warriors were all but finished in their title quest. Clearly, Golden State had reached their peak and their return to the top was nowhere in sight.

However, headlines tend to change quick in the NBA and like many instances, that was yesterday’s news and today is a new day.

Golden State is riding a five-game winning streak, the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are back in their high-level playing form, and the supporting cast are bouncing back as well. Not to mention, Durant looks set to be back up and running for the postseason.

By no means do these circumstances guarantee a successful title run for the Warriors. Simply put, Golden State has been given an opportunity towards the last stretch of the season and they must take advantage for the sake of their title hopes.

Their toughest opponents left include the Spurs, Rockets, Grizzlies, Wizards, and Jazz. Golden State can make, arguably, their first true statement against potential Western Conference Finals opponent San Antonio. Their first matchup on opening night left much to be desired as the Warriors simply had not cultivated chemistry yet, and their second match up saw star players from both teams absent. A convincing victory over the Spurs would be a huge momentum boost.

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Two more matchups with MVP candidate James Harden and current third-seed Houston Rockets could give the Warriors bragging rights as they can win the season series between both teams. This also gives Golden State additional experience should they meet Houston in the Western Conference Finals.

WIns over the Memphis Grizzlies, who have matched up well against Golden State in the past, the Washington Wizards, an Eastern Conference contender, and the Utah Jazz, a playoff team on the rise, would cap off the momentum being built for the Warriors heading into April.

Aside from the aforementioned teams, the Warriors have a very favorable schedule left on their plate. With lottery teams like the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns on the horizon, and six of their last seven games at Oracle Arena, Golden State should have ample opportunities to rack up wins and edge out San Antonio for the number one seed.

Next: What Has Changed For The Warriors Without Durant?

For Warriors’ fans, rest easy knowing that Golden State has made it out of the toughest portion of their schedule. They indeed suffered a slump, but the Warriors have bounced back. Currently two and a half games ahead of San Antonio, the Warriors have a golden opportunity to take the West and secure the top seed heading into the postseason.