"SAN FRANCISCO The week between the trade deadline and the All-Star break is often considered the last of the NBA's dog days, that brief moment of time between the excitement of blockbuster transactions and the allure of an extended midseason break that leads into the stretch run. But it is also when teams reveal their true intentions. The franchises who fancy themselves contenders gear up for the sprint to the postseason, while other teams pack it up and commit to tanking."
"The Warriors are clearly, undeniably among the first group, injuries be damned. Despite a season-ending ACL tear sustained by Jimmy Butler and nagging knee soreness hampering Steph Curry, Golden State still has playoff hopes. The team swapped Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for veteran stretch center Kristaps Porzingis, an oft-injured but incredibly impactful presence that could be a difference-maker in a playoff series."
"Then it is full speed ahead until the postseason. You just need a chance. If you give yourself a shot at it, we know how to do it, Draymond Green said. That's a skill that probably 97% of the NBA does not have. They don't know how to do it. We actually know. It is a message that his coach, Steve Kerr, endorses whole-heartedly."
The Warriors remain committed to contending for the playoffs despite significant injuries, including a season-ending ACL tear to Jimmy Butler and lingering knee soreness for Steph Curry. Golden State acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield elsewhere to add a stretch center who could change a playoff series. Porzingis and Curry are expected to be available on Feb. 19 against Boston after the All-Star break. Veterans De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford have provided improved bench play, and Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr express confidence in the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities even without Butler.
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