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Can the All-Star break prove crucial reset for the Golden State Warriors?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors complains to official Josh Tivens #58 after Tivens called a foul on Poole against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Chase Center on February 11, 2023 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 11: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors complains to official Josh Tivens #58 after Tivens called a foul on Poole against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Chase Center on February 11, 2023 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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In a season where they were tipped to be a top contender as reigning NBA champions, very little has gone right for the Golden State Warriors 58 games into an arduous 2022-23 season.

They turn to the All-Star break in a battle just to make the playoffs and as the definition of an average team — a 29-29 record with the league’s 12th ranked offense, 20th ranked defense, and an overall net rating of 0.1.

The entire Golden State Warriors roster will get a much needed breather ahead of a do-or-die period to close the regular season.

Incredibly, Golden State won’t have any contracted player participating in on-court events at All-Star weekend this season — draft-and-stash prospect Gui Santos will represent Santa Cruz in the G League ‘Next Up’ game that takes place on Sunday.

Two-time MVP Stephen Curry was the lone Warrior selected to be an All-Star, but he’ll miss the game as he continues to recover from a lower leg injury sustained against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this month. Exciting second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga was also a bizarre omission from the Rising Stars game that helped kick off All-Star weekend on Friday.

Stephen Curry watches on as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Washington Wizards earlier this week. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry watches on as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Washington Wizards earlier this week. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

It means each player will get a chance to refresh ahead of their next meeting against the Lakers in Los Angeles on February 24. There’s little doubt the Warriors have suffered from various forms of physical, mental and emotional fatigue, meaning the break could come at an incredibly important time.

"“I think this week off will be great for our guys. Hopefully we can come back from the break refreshed and make a push”, Steve Kerr said in the aftermath of Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers."

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Can the Warriors return to the championship form they’re still capable of? They’ve showed they can beat anyone with some big performances this season, yet have failed to sustain any sort of meaningful momentum. Perhaps the All-Star break can breathe new life into what’s been a mediocre season, and kickstart a winning streak that restores faith in yearning fans.

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