The Golden State Warriors have had a tough start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Two months in, their record shows more losses than wins. Despite this, the team believes they can still earn an automatic spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
As the Warriors prepare to face the Orlando Magic at Chase Center on Monday, they sit in eighth place. They are 4.5 games behind the sixth-place team, which guarantees a playoff spot, and six games behind the top four, which would give them home-court advantage.
Coach Steve Kerr Remains Optimistic
Coach Steve Kerr checks the standings every day and remains positive about the team’s chances.
“Our goal coming into the season was to be a top-four seed, and I still think it’s well within our reach,” Kerr said. “It can be daunting if you look and see we’re five or six games back. But if we take care of business and find momentum, anything can happen. Other teams will go through tough stretches too.”
Recent Performances Show Room for Improvement
The Warriors ended a three-game losing streak with a narrow 119-116 win over the Phoenix Suns. But even in victory, the team saw areas where they need improvement.
Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kerr highlighted mistakes during a late Suns run that almost erased a seven-point lead. Kerr said, “There were a couple of just mindless plays where we score and just stand there, instead of getting back on defense. We have to be sharper and more alert.”
Mixed Results Against Different Teams
Golden State is performing well against strong teams, with a 6-6 record against the top seven in the West. They have beaten teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, Spurs twice, and the Suns twice. However, they struggle against weaker teams, losing all three games to the Trail Blazers and one to the Kings.
Key Issues: Offense and Defense
The Warriors are still trying to find a rhythm on offense and consistency on defense. Turnovers and poor shooting have been major problems, especially against weaker teams.
Jimmy Butler III said, “We know the problem. It’s up to us to do what we need to do to win games. We are capable, and we all know that.”
The team struggles with 3-point shooting. They are making just 32.6% of open shots, below the league average of 35.8%. Even with Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, several players are shooting below average, including Buddy Hield at 32% and Quinten Post at 33.8%.
Focus on One Game at a Time
Stephen Curry emphasizes taking things step by step. “We don’t want to look too far ahead. Just focus on Orlando and what we need to do to win that game. Taking it one game at a time is the only way forward with how we’ve been playing.”
Conclusion
The Warriors know they face a tough climb to reach the playoffs, but they still believe in their talent and potential. With improved offense, sharper defense, and a focus on one game at a time, Golden State hopes to turn their season around and secure a spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
