We live in a world where time stands still in sports, but when some players or teams hit a wall or reach a particular age, many are ready to move on.
Even though they have won four NBA titles in the past decade, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and head coach Steve Kerr may be unrecognized this year despite all their statistical prowess. It may be because of all the club's setbacks this season, including Green's indefinite suspension, Andrew Wiggins' decline, and the loss of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, among many others. Still, the Warriors are looking fired up and are starting to get some steam going. Their chances of going on a run and making the playoffs are high.
On Wednesday night, they will face the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference matchup. With a 26-25 record, Golden State is riding a five-game winning streak and is now in the tenth spot (10 p.m. ET on ESPN). The Warriors' defensive rating is 18th, and their offensive rating is eleventh. Being an experienced squad, the Warriors will try to catch up to the other Western Conference teams over the remainder of the season, so this break couldn't have come at a better moment. Looking at teams comparable to the Warriors over the past 20 seasons gives them the upper hand.
According to bookie pay per head experts, the Warriors have reached the postseason nine times in the previous eleven seasons, so it's only natural that they'll do it again this year. The 2019–2020 season was the first of two consecutive years that the Warriors did not make the playoffs. Curry and the Warriors have a legitimate shot at the postseason.
Despite his struggles, Stephen Curry has been outstanding this season. Thus, I will pass on his being named MVP. In 33.4 minutes per game, he has averaged 28.0 points scored, 4.4 assists per game, and 4.9 goals. Curry continues to have a utilization rate of 31.3%. Plus, he has been devastating this season when he is beyond the arc. Next month, Curry will turn 36 years old, but he is still one of the top players in the league and was just selected for his tenth All-Star game. We have become accustomed to seeing him perform at a high level after winning MVP awards twice for the regular season. On the other hand, guys like Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, who have superior odds, are also experiencing amazing seasons.
Jonathan Kuminga for Most Improved Player—The Warriors' reliance on outside shooting has taken a new turn with Kuminga's rim-attacking solid skills. He has been outstanding recently, averaging 22.8 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, and 1.0 steals per game in 32.9 minutes. Only Curry had a greater usage rate and higher average PPG than Kuminga during that period.