"The NBA has thrown the kitchen sink at its tanking problem over the years. They flattened the lottery odds. They invented a tournament to incentivize regular-season games. They've levied fines, tried public shaming, and probably discussed relegation in a dark room in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Okay, maybe not that last one, but they should.) None of it has worked."
"Steph Curry is back, assuming the runner's knee holds. He missed the last six games a stretch that felt more like six months. Kristaps Porzingis is in, assuming his health cooperates. The Unicorn brings size, shooting, and the kind of ceiling that makes you dream big. That is, if he can get on the floor and stay there. Health Permitting is the new motto in Mission Bay."
The NBA has implemented multiple anti-tanking measures—flattened lottery odds, an in-season tournament, fines, and public shaming—without stopping teams from losing deliberately. Golden State returns from the All-Star break with Steph Curry back and Kristaps Porzingis newly available, elevating on-court upside if health holds. The Warriors carry significant potential but remain dependent on player availability, chemistry, and staff management. The most tangible advantage is the remaining schedule: 27 games left, including nine against teams actively trying to lose, creating numerous winnable matchups that could markedly improve playoff positioning.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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