No matter what their record looks like or what their seed is in the Western Conference, no team wants to face off against the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs. With battle-tested champions like Stephen Curry , Draymond Green and Steve Kerr still serving as the team's foundation, they still have the experience, wherewithal and talent to make a deep run in the postseason.
However, herein lies the tricky part: while the Dubs are sure to put up a heck of a battle in the postseason, getting there has proven to be a bit of a challenge this season. Injuries, inconsistent play and roster changes have plagued the team, causing them to slide down to eighth in the standings and leave their playoff chances uncertain.
The Warriors have been on a rollercoaster ride after winning the NBA title in 2022. From advancing to the second round to missing the playoffs, every season has been different for the team. This season has been no different: they got off to a good start, tapered off, then found their groove in early January, which led many to believe they could still make a deep postseason run.
However, just as they seemed to be gaining momentum, All-Star guard Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL, ending his season and leaving the team grasping at straws to find a solution without one of their best scorers, playmakers and defenders.
While Golden State dreamt of acquiring two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo , that pursuit fizzled out, but the team was able to acquire former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks , giving them a legit 7'2" center who can hit the three-ball and protect the rim.
"This has been such a unique year, but as long as we can find our way into a playoff series, we feel like we're a tough out for anybody at the top of the West," Curry said in an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews. "
"With Porzingis here, hopefully he's healthy and able to be out there consistently because we know what he's capable of doing," he continued. "And the new dynamic he gives us as a stretch big next to Draymond. Then you've got Al Horford in our front line, who's wise, experienced, and versatile. And our young guys are coming up. Moses (Moody) has been playing unbelievable. (DeAnthony) Melton being healthy again is helping us. All those pieces are starting to align."
While Curry is optimistic about what the Warriors can do in the playoffs, he's also a realist who knows his team's strengths and weaknesses. The Warriors are far removed from their days of being an unprecedented powerhouse and must now figure out different ways and means to remain a relevant force in the league. Therein lies the challenge, one that Steph is wholeheartedly embracing.
"You've got to adapt and still figure out how to put things together with the guys you have to stay in that conversation. It might not look the same as it has in years past, but the belief is still there and that gives you something to get excited about down the stretch of the season," Steph remarked.
With the Warriors still in play-in tournament territory, a spot in the postseason isn't guaranteed just yet. However, so long as Steph returns to the lineup in time, the team has a fighting chance to secure its spot in the playoffs.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
