The Warriors Accept Their Fate: Play-In Tournament Bound

Reality has caught up with the Golden State Warriors. After a heavy 120-99 defeat on the Boston Celtics court, Steve Kerr officially acknowledged what everyone already knew: his team will play in the play-in tournament. « Can we prepare ourselves for the play-in? We’re going to be in the play-in. We know it, » declared the Warriors coach.

This defeat pushes Golden State to tenth place in the Western Conference with a record of 33 wins and 36 losses, half a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors are now nine wins behind the sixth-place Denver Nuggets and six behind the seventh-place Phoenix Suns.

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Stephen Curry’s Absence Weighs Heavy on Results

The prolonged absence of Stephen Curry largely explains this freefall. The All-Star point guard has missed 19 consecutive games due to persistent right knee problems. Since his injury, the Warriors have won only 6 games against 13 losses, while they had a 27-22 record before his absence.

However, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon. Curry has intensified his on-court work and could make his return before the end of March. He even participated in some light contact drills during the trip to Boston.

« We need to be ready when we get our players back, when Steph returns, » explained Kerr. « If we’re ready when they return, we can do damage and string together a winning streak. But we can’t make tactical errors, we need to develop better habits. »

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Eighth Place as the New Goal

Facing this situation, the Warriors have readjusted their ambitions. « We had our eyes on sixth place for a while. That’s out of the question now. We won’t make it, » admitted Steve Kerr. « If we can string together some wins, try to reach eighth place, that would be ideal. To have two chances (to reach the playoffs). But we won’t reach seventh place. We know it. »

The eighth position, currently occupied by the LA Clippers (34-35), would guarantee the Warriors a home game in the play-in tournament and two opportunities to qualify for the playoffs. The Clippers are going through a rough patch with three consecutive losses, leaving an opening for Golden State.

Gui Santos summed up the team’s current philosophy: « We know it doesn’t matter if we win or lose 13 games, we’re going to play in the play-in. » An acceptance that could paradoxically free up the Warriors in this final stretch of the regular season.

« What I’m most interested in right now is, can we prepare ourselves for the play-in … like we’re going to be in the play-in. »

Steve Kerr keeps it real after the Warriors loss in Boston. Later says trying to get the 6 or 7 seed is not realistic anymore. pic.twitter.com/kTeLtfNJQe

— Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) March 19, 2026