10 Warriors games to watch that are pivotal to 2024-25 playoff push

10 Warriors games to watch that are pivotal to 2024-25 playoff push originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Despite missing the playoffs last season, the release of the 2024-25 NBA schedule Thursday stands as proof that the Golden State Warriors retained their ongoing status as one of the league’s most watchable teams.

For that, they can thank transcendent Stephen Curry.

Though the Warriors are off the opening-night schedule for the first time since 2019, they’re scheduled to be on national TV 24 times, only six fewer than the schedule following their 2022 NBA championship.

Moreover, it is far more than any other non-playoff team.

As Golden State attempts to vault back into the postseason, here are 10 games that have particular significance:

Golden State’s first “measurement” game comes two weeks into the season, against the defending NBA champions in one of the league’s most inhospitable buildings. The Warriors haven’t won at TD Garden since Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals, and they were demolished, 140-88, in their last trip to Boston.

Oklahoma City validated its rapid ascendancy by posting the best record in the Western Conference last season (57-25) and earning the conference top seed. One team is hanging on, the other coming on. This is a chance for an early statement against a team that has beaten them in the last three meetings.

The return of Warriors legend Klay Thompson – wearing another jersey for the first time ever – could make this the hottest ticket in Chase Center history. At least as coveted as Thompson’s return after a 941-day absence in January 2022. Once the pregame festivities are over, Golden State must confront the reigning Western Conference champs.

As the second of a two-game series over three days at Chase – the first is on national TV – this is a statement game for the Warriors. They were 0-3 against Minnesota last season, and their 41.6-percent shooting from the field was the lowest against any opponent. In this game, Golden State will be aiming for a sweep – or trying to avoid being swept.

It’s the league’s most enduring rivalry, Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/10-warriors-games-watch-pivotal-191935181.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-08-15 19:31:41

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