Things were looking great for the Golden State Warriors just a few days ago, with Draymond Green returning to the line-up and allowing them to field their big 3 of Steph, Klay, and Dray together for the first time since 2019. Klay even called it magical. However, that good fortune lasted for barely a game and a half, with Curry now indefinitely out thanks to a foot injury.
His return could be in time for the playoffs or it could not, in any case, the Warriors will certainly not be full-strength going into the postseason during this campaign. There were genuine shouts for the team to make another run at the championship, but those now look to be in serious jeopardy with their talisman in Curry set to miss a significant chunk of time.
Kendrick Perkins doesn’t believe that they have a chance at the title anymore either, something he made clear while talking about the situation on ESPN’s First Take.
Host: “Are the Warriors’ title hopes over?”
Kendrick Perkins: “Hell yeah, they’re over. And look, it’s not because of the lack of playing time that Steph, Klay, and Draymond have had this season… Steve Kerr hasn’t figured out his rotations… For the last part of the season, you’ve gotta have guys knowing their roles and knowing their place.
“And that’s why I say, with Steph Curry injured and not coming back until the playoffs, I strongly believe that the Warriors title hopes are done for this season. Period.”
Perkins’ point about continuity is an excellent one, and it’s something that has sunk some of the most talented teams in the history of the NBA. While a healthy Warriors team would be an excellent watch and incredibly tough to beat in the playoffs, with Steph now missing indefinitely, the road out of the West is certainly simpler for whichever team can make it happen.
