Coach Steve Kerr tried to remain optimistic after the Warriors failed to keep pace in a crowded Western Conference and suffered a frustrating 109-99 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. .
And for good reason.
The Dubs played without two of their top stars following their loss to the Mavericks, but hope to have them back in time for Saturday's game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Stephen Curry, who missed the past three games with a right ankle injury, has been cleared to resume practice, and Kerr said he expects the two-time NBA MVP to play in the game.
Draymond Green also missed the loss to the Mavericks due to lower back pain, but is expected to be ready Saturday.
Sure, something will need to be done in the final 17 games, but Kerr believes the Warriors can accomplish it.
“This season has been a marathon,” Kerr told reporters in Dallas. “I still have no doubt that this team can do great and move forward.”
Golden State is winless in three games without Curry and Green, but has also recorded notable wins when it's at full strength, which is one reason Kerr maintains a positive outlook.
On March 6th, they defeated the 2nd place Milwaukee Bucks in the East Division by 35 points, and on February 22nd, they defeated the Lakers 128-110, not to mention their second straight victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Golden State also split its fourth straight game of the season against the Sacramento Kings, one of the Warriors' favorite teams to make the playoffs.
If they give their all, this team can make a lot of noise until the end.
“I still love our team,” Kerr said. “I'm hoping to have Steph back on Saturday. I like the team a lot better now than I did a few months ago when we were seriously considering a lot of things. We have an identity. I think we know who we are. I think we can bounce back here and I'm excited for the last part of the season.”
Without Curry, the Warriors are 1-5 this season. His absence was clearly felt against the Mavericks, when every Dubs player struggled to score.
It's clear that things will change dramatically once No. 30 takes the court for Golden State, but multiple Warriors players refused to accept his absence as a reason for the loss.
When asked what the team learned during Curry's absence, rookie Brandin Podzemski said, “There's some good and some bad.” “Victory in San Antonio” [Saturday] I think if you can compete a full game, play hard and beat teams in the half court, you can be really good no matter the situation. [what] Five people are out on the floor.
“That's what we did for most of the first half tonight, and then we kind of slacked off in transition, and that's where they got most of it.”
Trayce Jackson-Davis, who started at center while Green was rested, said it's important for the Warriors to learn how to win no matter who is on the court.
“Obviously Steph is the biggest part of our team, but at the same time we can't have him carry all of that weight,” Jackson-Davis said. “We have to step up too.”
The Warriors couldn't do that against the Mavericks. But hopefully this season will be the last time they have to navigate Calais-free waters.
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