The Golden State Warriors started their second half on a high note. They managed to keep their hot streak alive and stomped on the Los Angeles Lakers to clinch a decisive 128-110 win on Thursday. Stephen Curry put on a scoring clinic with his barrage of baskets from beyond the arc, successfully converting six of his 13 three-point attempts. He chipped in 32 points along with eight assists to put an end to the Lakers’ three-game winning streak in the absence of LeBron James.

While such dominant performances are a common occurrence for Steph, there is still one aspect of his game he is trying to improve. Beyond his offensive wizardry, he has often caught flak for being a defensive liability on the team. However, he had made impressive strides since his rookie years to evolve into a better defender, as evident by his defensive highlights during their recent win. In addition to erupting offensively, he capped off the game with three steals and one rebound. Speaking of his impact on the other side of the ball, Curry stated, “I’m not a defensive stopper by any means, but I am trying to affect the game in different ways.”

He further added that he loves competition and taking on challenges, even though it’s not about shooting the ball. This way, he could have a bigger impact on the team. Now that the regular season is approaching its final stretch, he realises that the Warriors need more than offense from him in order to make a deep run into the playoffs. “It’s kinda like that playoff mentality where you know that’s as important as what you are doing on offense.” But can the Warriors make a deep run into the post-season?

Can the Warriors make a deep run into the postseason?

The first half of the Warriors season did not go according to the script. Even though they shipped Jordan Poole for Chris Paul in the offseason, it helped the chemistry issues but did not alleviate their struggles. They have found it challenging to maintain consistency over an extended period. Add to this the fact that they have cultivated the habit of blowing huge leads. Moreover, it is no secret that the Warriors’ core is no longer in their prime. Draymond Green‘s suspensions, coupled with Klay Thompson‘s slump, only piled onto their woes.

However, since the recent lineup adjustments, the Warriors have gained back their light, winning nine of their last 11 games. Green’s return from suspension helped bridge the struggles Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins were facing, improving their cohesion on the court. Their new-look front court, featuring Green at the center, also played a crucial role in their recent victories. In addition, their young core has stepped up admirably to keep the team afloat when the veterans were struggling. If they sustain this level of energy through the final stretch of the season, they will certainly be a threat once the postseason commences.