The Warriors’ next 20 games could make or break their perplexing 2025-26 NBA season
The Warriors’ next 20 games could make or break their perplexing 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – There’s no betting, as far as we know, on whether this season’s Warriors can assemble the pieces of the puzzle, overcome their inconsistencies and present themselves as a legitimate NBA championship threat through mid-April.
Announcement
If such a line existed, the action would be heavy. Because, 25 games into the NBA season, the Warriors remain among the most puzzling teams in the league.
The next 20 games, starting Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, should offer some clarity.
Of the Warriors’ next 20 games, 14 will be at Chase Center, including an eight-game homestand in mid-January. This is a platinum opportunity to build the kind of momentum that has thus far been elusive.
After closing a three-game road trip with consecutive victories – without Stephen Curry, without the full availability of Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III – the most tired team in the league allowed itself two full days of recovery, followed by two practices considered productive and useful.
Announcement
Curry, who has missed the last three games, practiced both days and will return Friday. Butler has trained and wants to win. De’Anthony Melton made his season debut on the road and looked like a significant acquisition on the season.
The trip, according to Curry, offered insight into what is needed to escape the mediocrity that comes with struggling to stay above .500.
“Just playing good basketball, making simple plays, getting organized offensively, that’s what I’ve seen the last three games,” Curry said, including a one-point loss in Philadelphia. “Even after those rough first two quarters that we had in Philly and Cleveland, it was about moving the ball, trying to create advantages, where guys were attacking close, taking advantage of space. It seemed like we were just a little more organized, even if they weren’t necessarily play calls. It was, if you’re open, shoot. If you have a driving angle, take it. Take it off. The ball just had energy.
“I know when I’m out there, I try to create the same type of plays. And then you just want guys to play with confidence. And that’s what happened in Chicago.”
Announcement
The Warriors were outstanding in Chicago, earning their first triumph of the season. The Bulls, however, are in a skid, having lost their last seven games.
That’s why it’s prudent for the Warriors to be cautious when looking to the future. They alternated between being very good and downright terrible. They’re sitting at 13-12 because they’ve offset some quality wins (at the Lakers, at the Nuggets, at the Spurs twice) with baffling losses (at the Pacers, at the Kings, at the Blazers home and away).
And that journey went through the Eastern Conference, which is significantly weaker than the West.
The Next 20 begins with four games against Western Conference teams, two of which – the Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns – are above Golden State in the standings. Anything less than 3-1 would be deeply unsatisfactory and would halt, if not halt, the momentum.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast