Warriors could be legitimate postseason threat after play-in win

The Rockets are younger, deeper and posted a stronger regular-season record, but the playoffs are a different game. Golden State’s core of Curry and Draymond Green has seen everything, from Finals runs to elimination battles. That experience can’t be taught and could prove decisive against a less battle-hardened opponent.

The Warriors closed the regular season with disappointing losses to the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers, but they've surged since acquiring Butler at the trade deadline. Golden State went 20-7 post-deadline, a stretch bettered only by the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-4) and Boston Celtics (22-5).

Over that span, the Warriors ranked seventh in offensive rating (118.4), but perhaps more impressively, they led the entire league in defensive rating (109.3), an underappreciated aspect of their identity. If they can maintain that defensive intensity, paired with Curry and Butler's offensive brilliance, Golden State has the tools to be a serious contender.

Houston’s backcourt, while explosive, has struggled at times with turnovers and inconsistent shooting. That’s where the Warriors' playoff-hardened defense could tilt the series. 

Golden State thrives in transition and has the discipline to force young teams into costly mistakes. Green’s ability to switch across positions and anchor a playoff-level defense remains vital to their postseason hopes.

Curry can still shift a game or a series with a single quarter. With Butler stepping up as a postseason closer, Golden State enters the playoffs with renewed purpose. This isn’t a team content with a Play-In cameo. They're here to compete.

There are legitimate concerns about depth — only two Warriors outside of Curry and Butler scored double-digits against Memphis — but the team’s chemistry remains intact. Head coach Steve Kerr has guided this core through countless playoff battles and knows how to navigate a seven-game series.

Facing Houston will be a test. But if the Warriors pass it, they’ll become the team nobody in the West wants to face.