The Golden State Warriors don’t believe this is the end.
Perhaps it’s unexpected that the Warriors chose to stand pat at the deadline, doubling down on their Hall of Fame quintet and their confidence that they belong together. “This is a story that’s still kind of unfolding,” said Curry, “and it’s important that we see it all the way through until it’s proven that we can’t win.”
heThe performance begins at Barclays Center as Stephen Curry enters from the east tunnel 72 minutes before a Monday evening game versus the Brooklyn Nets. His subsequent warm-up, which has become a legendary spectacle throughout Curry’s 15-year career, draws the lower bowl’s bustle to a standstill. As Curry twirls left- and right-handed layups with Warriors assistant Bruce Fraser, children, parents, and everyone in between walk approach the floor, captivated. Five minutes later, Klay Thompson emerges from the same tunnel to a similar greeting, hoping to break out of his current shooting slump. Draymond Green eventually emerges, completing the Beatles-inspired show. Coach Steve Kerr will join the three at tipoff, attempting to lead the Warriors out of their recent mediocrity.
For the past decade, that quintet has been the NBA’s most accomplished touring group. Thirteen months after Kerr was recruited in the spring of 2014, the Warriors returned the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the Bay for the first time in forty years. In 2016, they established an NBA record with 73 regular-season victories, then signed Kevin Durant in free agency and won two more championships. Two years ago, with Durant out of the picture, this same quartet led the Warriors to 53 victories and an unlikely title—their fourth in eight years—sealing their place in the league’s legendary history.
This season, however, has taken Golden State in a new path. Four consecutive victories have helped the Warriors regain some momentum, but they are still 25-25 overall and 10th in the Western Conference. A string of terrible losses and uneven play has highlighted the roster’s shortcomings and forced this storied dynasty to confront its death.
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