The Golden State Warriors are fighting for playoff position and poised to climb the standings, thanks to a six-game homestand to close the season.
But not so fast. Superstar Warriors guard Stephen Curry says the luxuriously-long homestand is a potential “trap.” Here are his comments on the matter, given after Golden State lost a close one to the Pelicans in New Orleans on Tuesday night. The loss completed a 2-2 road trip.
Did Curry have to mention how the trip started? The Warriors lost to the lowly Timberwolves, barely challenging the downtrodden Minnesota club.
But back to that potential trap Curry speaks of. He says it could be a natural reaction to take “the foot off the gas pedal.”
That’s because a six-game homestand is supposed to be an easy, clear advantage. That could naturally relax the team. Mentally, you know you have an edge, so it’s more difficult to become motivated. Curry and the Warriors are professionals, however, and they’ve got to overcome that natural tendency. Curry mastered the first step: he’s aware of the possibility.
After Tuesday’s loss, Golden State sat in eighth place in the Western Conference, but only one game separated teams from eighth place to 10th; teams from seventh to 10th place will compete for two spots in the playoffs in a play-in tournament.
But the Warriors still have to sidestep that homestand trap and win some ballgames. The first opportunity to avoid a potential pitfall comes on Thursday for the first of two consecutive games against the Thunder.
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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