From Playoff Hopefuls to Title Contenders

Mar 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward

(40) is congratulated by center

(12) after making a shot against the New York Knicks in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 125-94. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Two seasons ago, when the Golden State Warriors clinched their first playoff spot since 2008, head coach Mark Jackson got teary eyed just talking about the accomplishment, and it was cause for celebrations all round.

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Last night, during a timeout late in the second quarter, the videoboards in the Oracle Arena displayed “CLINCHED” after the Oklahoma City Thunder had lost to the Dallas Mavericks. The fans inside the arena gave a standing ovation, but the players glanced up and played on.

It’s taken just two seasons, but the mood surrounding a clinched playoff berth has changed drastically. Once considered playoff hopefuls, the Warriors have now set their sights on even bigger things: namely, winning the NBA championship.

Let’s take a look at how they got here.

Next: Drafting Stephen Curry