Optimistic or Irrational? Steve Kerr’s Warriors Eye Deep Playoff Run With Just 18 Games Left

The Golden State Warriors have been on the lookout for consistency throughout the season, hanging by a loose thread at the 10th spot in the Western Conference. Yet, Steve Kerr remains supremely optimistic about the team’s chances of making it to the playoffs. Post their frustrating 100-99 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Kerr still strongly believes they will make it! Of course, he has his reasons.

Yesterday, the team played against the Mavs, without their best stars, but are still hopeful to make a comeback on Saturday against the Lakers. Stephen Curry, battling with ankle injuries has missed 3 games, but as per Kerr, he is now “almost” ready to make an appearance on-court on Saturday. Apart from him, Draymond Green too missed the game yesterday because of lower back soreness, but will also be there on Saturday.

With just 17 games remaining, Kerr has faith in his team. After the game, he said, “The season, it really is a marathon. I still have no doubt that this team can get on a great run and make a good push”. 

Surprisingly, in Curry’s absence, the GSW franchise is 1-5 this season. But at the same time, they did put out powerful performances at full strength; probably a reason why Kerr has a positive stance. When all the team players are together, Kerr’s Warriors is pretty promising. “I still like who our team is”, Kerr said. He further adds, “I like the team a lot better now than I did a couple months ago, where we were really sorting through a lot of things. I think we have an identity. I think we know who we are. I think we’ll bounce back here, and I’m excited about the last part of the season.”

His absence was particularly felt the most yesterday when the Mavericks put a strong front together, making the Dubs falter in their gameplay. On top of that, Luka Donic and Kyrie Irving put up a great offense, contributing 44 points to their team’s overall score. So, for a team who were NBA champions just 2 seasons ago, GSW isn’t doing so well. Despite this, Kerr remains optimistic, but others aren’t really holding their thoughts back now. They’re making sure the franchise is hearing their doubts.

People doubt Steve Kerr and his optimism for the Warriors

A few hours ago, ‘The Athletic’ journalist Anthony Slater was interviewed during a recent episode of ‘The Morning Roast’. During the same, the host highlighted how Steve Kerr recently said that his team can still make a deep run. With the Warriors set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks, the host questioned whether the team has the potential to go against the likes of players like Luka Doncic. Slater highlighted that the Mavericks are recently coming off a stretch where they lost “five or six and they were like the 30th ranked defense during that strength”.

Despite this fact, the journalist held the opinion that a combined offensive play by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would help the team cover up the defense part. “They’re going to be really tough to beat tonight, particularly for the Warriors team without Steph in Dallas,” said Slater.

Of course, Slater’s prediction turned out to be true, implanting further doubt in people’s minds about how the Warriors have a “great run” ahead. For most, it is seemingly impossible.

As the Warriors face off against more highly acclaimed opponents in the coming 17 games, they will need to draw on all of their experiences that led them to win 4 championships. This is possibly the only way they can navigate a tough situation. Their approach, as the regular season is about to end, should be to keep their key players healthy and strong so as to push through this time. Do you believe that the Warriors have the potential to make it to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments down below.

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