What Do the Golden State Warriors’ Wins Over the Spurs Mean Now?

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30, left) and power forward David Lee (10, right) react after game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs fell in Game 7 to the Miami Heat., finishing 15-6 in the playoffs. Two of those six losses came at the hands of the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State gave the Spurs a good fight and the series turned out to be extremely entertaining – though disappointing – for Warriors fans.  Now, fans are left wondering what could have happened if the Warriors didn’t have such a monumental collapse in Game 1.It’s tough to be happy with two wins when four are needed to advance, but Warriors fans should try to remain positive.  Out of all the teams in the West to make the playoffs, Stephen Curry and his teammates were the only ones to make coach Gregg Popovich sweat.

If you consider how young the Warriors’ core players are, there’s a lot to like with the future prospects of this team. Most of the players getting minutes in the playoffs had never been there before – and four were rookies. The Spurs, on the other hand, possibly have more playoff experience than any other team in the league. This series showed everyone that Golden State will be a team to reckon with; it showed how close this team is to being a championship contender.

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson (second from left) instructs his team in a huddle against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

More than anything, the two wins against the Spurs should represent hope for the future.  Young, inexperienced teams often take their lumps against more experienced teams. In the NBA, young teams aren’t supposed to win; winning takes time. The time for the Warriors is almost here. The losses to the Spurs are just as vital as the wins are to future success.  It’s good to know you can compete – and even beat – the best teams in the league.  Losing happens when mistakes are made, shots are missed and coaching fails.

In Game 1 against the Spurs, the Warriors had a 16-point lead with four minutes remaining, but the Spurs clawed back and won in double overtime.  The Spurs had been there before, so veteran players knew which plays to make and how to keep their composure.  Experience won them that game.

In the first round, the Warriors also lost a big lead to the Denver Nuggets, but the team managed to hold on and win.  Despite the sloppy play, the team made it to the second round and everything was forgiven – until the Spurs made them pay for their mistakes.

Winning builds confidence and losing builds experience.  The success of the Spurs will make the two wins by the Warriors look better, but that isn’t what really matters for the team.  Looking good won’t help the team – the confidence and experience will.