After winning the 2022 NBA championship, the Golden State Warriors have struggled to reestablish their dominance in the Western Conference. Through their first 68 games, the Dubs have a record of 35-33, which has them sitting in sixth place out West.
Throughout the season, many have debated whether or not Golden State is still equipped to compete for another title.
During the March 13 episode of ESPN’s First Take Kendrick Perkins made the argument that the Warriors are finished.
“Okay, so when I look at the Golden State Warriors… they are dead bird, tall grass. They are done, . “I’m not saying that they’re not going to make the playoffs, they’re going to get into the playoffs. But, let’s be real here. Their expectations are (to win) a championship. The only reason I say that is because when you’re the defending champs, when you’re the Golden State Warriors, and you have that much pride that we know them to have, they want to defend that honor. I’m looking at them right now, and no, they’re not a championship team.
Perkins, who won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, the warned the Warriors of a matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
“I’m going to say this right now. They’d better stay the hell away from the Sacramento Kings, because no matter how young that Kings group is, no matter how inexperience they be when it comes to the postseason, they have old souls… The Sacramento Kings are going to the Western Conference Finals. The Golden State Warriors, their championship days are over.”
“The Golden State Warriors, their championship days are OVER!”
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— First Take ()
Stephen Curry Remains Confident in Warriors
Perkins’ doubts about the Dubs haven’t been echoed from those that are actually in the locker room. In fact, some of Golden State’s stars have been outspoken about their confidence in this season’s squad.
Stephen Curry recent spoke on his belief in his teammates, saying that they’re a “tough matchup for anybody.”
“It’s a different challenge because I was out for four weeks before, four weeks this last time. Andre (Iguodala) has been chomping at the bit to get out there and play,” Curry said after the March 5 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers “The way …read more
Source:: Heavy.com