Ranking the Golden State Warriors’ Potential Playoff Matchups

Final Thoughts

The Warriors are not expected to go very far in the playoffs this year, but that isn’t a bad thing. Few franchises transition from a lottery team to a contender in one year, and Golden State has a solid core of young players that, though flawed now, will likely evolve into a formidable Western Conference contender in the coming years.

April 09, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-89 to clinch a playoff berth. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The youth factor is important. As talented as they are, the Warriors have little to no playoff experience on their roster, and fielding capable rotations with postseason experience will be critical in any series against veteran squads like the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder. There’s a reason players like Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and Steve Kerr had long careers after their day-to-day usefulness on the court ran out. General managers, coaches and players put a premium on guys who have been there and demonstrated an ability to perform in the playoffs. With all due respect to the (formidable) talent and skill the Warriors possess, they have struggled at times to display the intangible effort and poise required to go far in the playoffs.

That will come with time, and when it does, the Warriors will have a chance to capitalize. Until then, enjoy it. After 20 years, you’ve probably earned it.

1. They play the Spurs one more time on Monday, April 15.

2. Not a big fan of LA sports fans.

3. If you haven’t, read Matt Moore’s impressive profile of Iggy’s approach to defense. Amazing work.