The Golden State Warriors refuse to accept defeat. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney, and Andrew Wiggins are a resilient bunch, unwilling to concede that their pursuit of championships is over. They share a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and a fierce determination to compete until they have nothing left to give.
Their latest season came to a bitter end with a devastating loss to the Lakers in Game 6. It marked a significant departure from their previous triumphs, as this core group, led by Curry, Green, and Thompson, had always found a way to make it to the NBA Finals. They had reigned supreme in the Western Conference, stringing together an impressive 19 consecutive playoff series victories under the guidance of coach Steve Kerr. But this time, the wheels fell off, and they fell short of their goal.
Speculation is rife that the era of the Curry-led dynasty has come to a close. Critics suggest that their reign is over, that their glory days are behind them. However, Kerr refuses to buy into such notions. He believes that Curry, Green, and Thompson still have plenty left in the tank. Despite the disappointment, he sees them as high-level players with championship potential. Kerr firmly believes that this is not the end of the road for the Warriors.
“It’s probably too raw right now for me to think about. The one thing I will say is that Draymond, Klay, Steph, our core guys, they’ve got plenty left,” said Kerr.
“There’s still plenty in the tank there. I thought they all had great seasons. It may not have ended on a high note but all three guys are still high-level players and I still feel like this team has championship potential. We didn’t get there this year but it’s not like this is the end of the road.”
Looney, too, shares this sentiment. While the wounds are still fresh from their premature exit, he remains optimistic about the team’s future. He witnesses the spectacular performances of Curry, Thompson, and Green throughout the season and playoffs, leaving no doubt in his mind that they have much more to offer.
“This group has been through a lot and I feel like we’ve got a lot more to give, and watching Steph, Klay and Draymond, what they did all season, what they did in the playoffs, was spectacular, and it obviously shows that they have a lot left more to give,” said Looney
The journey towards another title was fraught with challenges from the start. A team crisis loomed when Green threw a punch at Jordan Poole during training camp. However, they managed to weather the storm and forge ahead. But the road was treacherous, plagued by injuries that kept key players on the sidelines for extended periods. The team struggled to find continuity and the chemistry they once had seemed elusive.
Wiggins, while not among the players to speak out, believes that brighter days lie ahead for the organization. He sees a promising future for the Warriors and their dedicated players. Though the disappointment lingers, he holds onto hope, firmly believing in the collective strength of the team.
The playoffs tested their mettle. It took an extraordinary 50-point masterpiece from Curry in Game 7 against the Kings to keep their championship hopes alive. However, when facing the Lakers, they faltered. They set a new record for missed three-pointers in NBA history during the first two rounds, unable to find their shooting touch when it mattered most. In Game 6, both Curry and Thompson struggled from beyond the arc, joining an exclusive group of duos who each missed double-digit three-point attempts in a playoff game.
Now, the Warriors face a crucial offseason. They must regroup, recalibrate, and evaluate the roster. Curry understands the importance of assembling a team that can contend for a championship. He is confident that the organization will make the necessary adjustments and ensure that all the pieces fit seamlessly.
“We will all collectively kind of handle those at the right time. I think obviously, start at the top and working down in terms of trying to put together the best team possible next year,” Curry said.
For Thompson, the sting of this defeat will linger throughout the summer. It marks a rare occasion when he, Curry, and Green were healthy but fell short of the finals. They poured their hearts and souls into the game, leaving everything on the court. Thompson, though disheartened, is resolute in his belief that they will return stronger than ever.
“It stings real bad and it’s going to sting all summer. First time in a long time that Dray, Steph and I were healthy not making the finals. So it’s rare to be off during this time of year but I can tell you we gave it everything we had,” said Thompson.
The Golden State Warriors’ hunger for success is far from satiated. They refuse to let one setback define their legacy. They will rise from the ashes, ready to face new challenges and fight for their rightful place among the NBA elite. The dynasty may have taken a blow, but it is not yet defeated.
