The Stretch Run 2

Remember when the Warriors were the 8 seed and up two games on Denver a month ago? It's funny how things change.

7. Dallas 6.5
8. Denver 7.0
9. Golden State 7.5

Yeeeaaah.

As a fan, I hate the talent disparity between the Eastern and Western Conferences. A full 22.5 games separate the first and eighth seeds in the East, while a mere 7.0 games divide the West. However, the Warriors can take advantage of the tight playoff race and leapfrog over Denver or Dallas. Unfortunately, the Warriors ceded the ability to control their own destiny with a loss to Denver a week ago, so they'll also need to cross their fingers.

Even if the Warriors spin off a 6-game win streak (which would equal their season-high streak from November 24-December 2, 2007), either Dallas or Denver must drop two of their final games. A 6-game win streak is improbable, but Dallas/Denver have slightly tougher schedules and can realistically lose a couple games.

What the Warriors cannot do is:

1. Give away games against sub-.500 teams. Namely Sacramento, the other LA team, and Seattle.
2. Get lazy and play fly-swatter defense instead of moving their feet.
3. Not get back on defense. See the game at Dallas, for example.
4. Play isolation offense. Also refer to the Dallas game, when the Warriors had 10 total assists.
5. Give up. There is no sense in conceding defeat in what is essentially a 6-game season.

[Update 9:20 PM] The Kings come up HUGE and hold off Denver for a 118-115 win. Remember last season's heroics against the Clippers? Yeah, we owe Sacramento big time (just not any time in the near future).

[Update 4:12 PM] The Warriors lose to the Hornets. The Mavericks officially clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Suns (thanks to a 9-point fourth quarter from the Suns), so now the race is down to Golden State and Denver. Denver plays Seattle tonight