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Golden State Warriors sit only 1.5 games back of the fourth seed despite underwhelming season

By Rohan Borges

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have been this season’s most confusing team by a pretty wide margin. They’ve experienced some palpable highs and some devastating lows. Their starting five has the best net rating of any five-man lineup in the entire NBA, but they have only 32 wins to show for it.

Their youth has held them back and they seem to have lost a step as a team defense. Age has no-doubt been a factor and the Warriors have been plagued by injuries all season long.

Despite all of the early-season drama, rotation fluctuation, and injury misfortune, the Golden State Warriors are in striking range of home court advantage, only 1.5 games back of the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

While it is unlikely that the Warriors actually eclipse the likes of the Phoenix Suns who are about to introduce Kevin Durant, their current positioning in the standings is a reflection of the madness that is ensuing in this year’s Western Conference. It is entirely possible that the Dubs get hot and climb up to the fourth or fifth seed. However, it is equally possible that the Warriors fall to the back -end of the play-in.

Former Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut this week. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Former Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut this week. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The good news is that Klay Thompson seems to be getting hot at just the right time. Thompson has amassed 74 points across his last two games, shooting 18-31 from three-point range in that span. The sharpshooter is starting to look more and more like his best offensive self which is a big boost for a Warriors squad that needs all the help it can get.

Steph Curry is still on the mend, though an upcoming re-evaluation will shed some light on a possible return date. The Warriors will face the Portland Trailblazers in their next matchup, which means they will play host to a sizzling hot Damian Lillard fresh off of a 71-point performance for the ages.

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The Blazers will be another tough test for the Dubs, who are trying to stay afloat without Curry and Andrew Wiggins in the lineup. Draymond Green is listed as probable to return to action after a two-game absence – just in time to captain the defense against the hottest player in the league.

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