Kurtenbach Questions Warriors' Playoff Prospects
Without key players Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the Warriors lost Wednesday’s game to the Kings. Despite fielding a lineup with a distinct G-League feel, the Warriors pushed the also shorthanded Kings nearly to the final minute.
Rookie and Young Players Stand Out
- Will Richard, the second-round rookie, scored 30 points.
- Moses Moody contributed 28 points.
- Jonathan Kuminga added 24 points.
However, in the competitive NBA Western Conference, so-called moral victories hold little weight.
Performance When Fully Healthy
When firing on all cylinders—with Curry, Butler, Green, and Al Horford at their best—the Warriors remain competitive against any team. Defense is orchestrated expertly by Green and Horford, and the star players perform at MVP-caliber levels.
Recent Struggles Highlight Concerns
Yet that high level of play has been rare. Last week, the Warriors lost to the Pacers and Bucks, teams they should beat easily. Their recent back-to-back loss against Sacramento, including Wednesday’s game, suggests deeper issues.
“Only moral victories don’t mean a thing in the NBA’s Western Conference. And if we’ve already resorted to moral victories and silver linings with the 2025-26 Dubs, well, then this whole operation is smelling a bit funny.”
This raises a crucial question about the team’s strategy and ability to manage load and still contend for the playoffs.
Author’s Summary
This analysis highlights growing doubts about the Warriors' reliance on load management and questions their realistic chances in a tough Western Conference this season.