Inconstant as possible since the start of the season, the Warriors are questioning their ability to retain their league title. Shaquille O’Neal recently spoke out on the subject, revealing the sine qua non condition for them to succeed!
A year earlier, at this stage they occupied 2nd place in the Western Conference, and appeared to be serious contenders for the Larry O’Brien trophy. The situation of the Warriors, however, wants to be totally different this season. After a sluggish start, Steve Kerr’s men have recovered in recent weeks, and even a positive balance sheet. However, their status is highly debated within the league.
Shaq drops the only title scenario for the Warriors
Excellent so far on the floor of the Chase Center (27-7), Golden State, on the other hand, displays a catastrophic form far from its bases (7-26). The recent defeat in Memphis, against the Grizzlies yet deprived of Ja Morant and Steven Adams, has also highlighted this contrast, which pushes some analysts to deliver murderous predictions on the franchise. Shaquille O’Neal is more optimistic:
Golden State plays poorly on the outside, right? And they play well at home, right? So if they get 4th place in the West, they’re going to be champions. That way they would get the home advantage back, and if they have the home advantage, they will win the title again. They know the recipe for going all the way and being crowned champions despite the pitfalls. They already have.
Positive towards the Dubs compared to some of his peers, the prestigious consultant of TNT considers that nothing is yet lost for Steph Curry & Co. The latter would thus only have to finish 4th in the West to play the leading roles in the fight for the title. A goal that may seem achievable on paper, they who currently occupy 6th place (34-33), and that the Shaq considers conducive to a back-to-back:
Even if Golden State manages to climb to 4th place in the conference, I think their level will still be debated, because they will continue to play sometimes well and sometimes badly. But I think if they recover the home advantage for the first round of the playoffs, they will be on a good dynamic, and they could end up regaining their luster.
Easier said than done though. Indeed, the Warriors will have to do this in particular to surpass the Suns in the standings. However, the teammates of Kevin Durant (37-29) seem in the state much better armed, and have moreover a lead of 3.5 games. Without forgetting the Clippers, 5th (35-33), who seem to be gradually finding their rhythm. Good luck then for making such an ascent!
For Shaquille O’Neal, the Warriors remain indeed candidates for their own succession despite their difficulties outside. Only the advantage of the field in the playoffs could however allow them to get their hands on the grail according to him!
