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NBA Playoffs are empty without Golden State Warriors

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors walks on to the floor for player introductions before their game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center on March 05, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors walks on to the floor for player introductions before their game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center on March 05, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The NBA’s restart in Orlando is missing more than just fans, the playoffs simply don’t feel the same without the Golden State Warriors.

For the last five seasons, we have entered the NBA Playoffs with the looming feeling that it’s only a matter of time before the Golden State Warriors assert their dominance over the rest of the league and push for a title. This year, that anxiety is gone as the Warriors watch the other 16 teams compete from home.

The Dubs missed out on any chance of playing in the Orlando bubble by posting a 15-50 record before the season’s suspension. Free agency losses and injuries brought the dynasty to a skidding halt. While the franchise is grateful for the extended opportunity to recover – the pain of watching from the sidelines remains present.

It’s hard to watch teams battle in the postseason without thinking the Warriors would somehow make things more interesting. The Dubs were on another level in recent years and their absence has impacted how we watch the game. That sinking feeling opponents feel while the Dubs begin one of their patented runs is gone. As a result, the road to a championship feels much less threatening without Stephen Curry standing in the way.

Where would the Warriors rank in this year’s playoffs anyway? If they managed to stay in the playoff picture with a healthy current roster, could they compete? We’d like to think Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green would serve as one hell of a wildcard in Orlando. The trio has won 18 of their last 20 playoff series and would surely be a tough out even as a bottom seed in this year’s postseason.

Nonetheless, the Dubs can watch as potential roadblocks like the Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers battle it out. This is a chance to gain some valuable intel on what to expect next season. Still, we can’t help but notice that playoff basketball feels empty without the Warriors.

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