The Warriors Are Still Dangerous, but the Clock is Ticking

By: Nathan Rogers

Oakland -- Golden State is fighting to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, but history says that’s all Stephen Curry and the Warriors might need.

The Golden State Warriors are still alive, still dangerous, and still capable of making the Western Conference uncomfortable. But with March rolling on, this is no longer the part of the season where potential means much of anything. It is about urgency now.

The standings say it plainly. After Golden State's punctual, OT-thriller win against the Houston Rockets and a recent close fall to the Thunder, Golden State enters Sunday at 32-31, sitting eighth in the Western Conference. That is not disaster territory, but it is also not safe ground for a team trying to avoid the chaos of the Play-In and buy itself a real shot at a postseason run.

And the reality is, the Warriors are trying to hold that line while still waiting on Stephen Curry. The team said on March 1st that Curry continued to make progress from his right knee issue and would be re-evaluated again in 10 days. That means every game in this stretch matters, because Golden State is still walking the line between staying afloat and slipping into real danger.

And while the team waits for Steph to return, the margin of error is practically nonexistent. Although Draymond says that just keeping the air in the tires is the main focus while Curry rests.

Even after everything — the injuries, the roster changes, the constant “are they done?” questions — the Warriors still carry the DNA of a championship team.

That starts with Curry.

The greatest shooter the game has ever seen continues to warp defenses the moment he crosses half court. His movement, gravity, and leadership still drive the identity of this franchise.

But Curry isn’t alone.

New Energy Emerging

Gui Santos, the third-year Brazilian forward, has been one of the more underrated developments for Golden State. lately has been the emergence of younger pieces stepping into larger roles.

On Febuary 28th, the Warriors decided to extend him to a three-year, $15 million contract with a player option in the 2028-2029 season.

After being selected 55th in the '22 draft, Santos has began to carve out real minutes, bringing not only just hustle, but actual production. He's averaging 15 points, 7 rebs, 4 assists, all on 50% FG in the last 8 games.

In a recent game against Oklahoma City, Santos poured in a career-high 22 points, flashing the kind of confidence and versatility that could become critical as the season winds down.

That type of development matters more than people realize.

And he's not the only one, either. Brandon Podziemski, despite the fanbase pushback he recieved early in the year for his subpar shooting, comments about wanting to take over the organization in the post-steph years, and maybe even his awkward hairstyle, Podz has been exceeding expecations and showing a real feel for the game he's always had.

Since the All-Star break, Podz currently leads the Warriors in points, rebounds, and assists.

And what doesn't show up on his box score is his defense, especially the pressure he puts on the opposing team off the ball.

"He's on of our best defensive players," said Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr. "And I know people may not see that, but it's the anticipation, it's playing on the weak side, it's being disruptive." (via 95.7 The Game)

That type of development matters more than people realize.

Because when championship teams survive tough stretches, it usually isn’t just the stars carrying the load.

It’s the role players who suddenly find their moment. And Santos and Podz are finding that moment at just right the time.

The Hour Glass is Running Out

This is where the final month of the season gets interesting. Golden State does not need to look perfect. It just needs to stay close enough to matter when Curry is fully back in rhythm.

That is the real mission: Stay in playoff range. Stay dangerous. Stay annoying.

Because nobody in the West is going to want to see a healthy Steph Curry in a meaningful game, no matter what seed is next to Golden State’s name.

But that warning only matters if the Warriors make it there.

Right now, the clock is ticking, and Curry is holding the watch.