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The Warriors are not a playoff contender without Stephen Curry

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on as he walks back down court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 16, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on as he walks back down court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 16, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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If there’s one thing the Warriors proved, it’s that they’re not going to be able to contend for a title without Stephen Curry, and from what we’ve seen since his injury against the Celtics, it’s tough to even foresee a Curry-less team as a playoff contender.

The Warriors lost to the Celtics at home by 22. That was an ugly loss, but it was understandable as losing Curry mid-game changed the entire style of play for Golden State.

The Warriors will be without two-time MVP Stephen Curry for potential the rest of the regular season. Without the star, they’ve looked helpless.

However, losing to the San Antonio Spurs by 2 on some bizarre last-second foul calls is unacceptable, and it gets even worse when you lose to the worst team in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic.

There really is no excuse for that despite being on the road and down their star player, neither of which helped as the Dubs failed to even score 95 points.

On top of that, their defense performances have been so poor over the last several weeks that they’ve dropped out of the top spot in defensive rating. Both the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics are now above them.

The Dubs rating has plummeted to 106.1. It was under 100 for the bulk of the first half of the season. While that ceiling is still there, it’s far from as clear with the Dubs having struggled to get even close to their potential over the last few months.

The Warriors have the third-worst offensive rating over their past 2 games as well, entering Thursday’s matchup with the Heat. Their defense rating took a hit without Green, and now their offensive rating is going to be shattered without Curry.

It’ll be nearly impossible for the Warriors to win their first-round series if they don’t get Curry back at full strength. With the Mavs, Nuggets or Jazz all potential first-round potentials, the Warriors need to figure it out offensively, and that could start with Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole.

Obviously, one cannot just replace Stephen Curry, but one must do a better job of competing while the star is sidelined. If one thing is without doubt, it’s that this team’s ceiling is a fraction of what it can be with Curry at full strength.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

Managing this storm until he returns will be telling about both how the team and head coach Steve Kerr will persevere through the adversity.

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