As the regular season is in its final stretch, the time is high for the contenders to separate themselves from the pretenders. The same is in the case of the Golden State Warriors, but so far, they have failed to deliver on the high expectations.
While Stephen Curry and Co. are always a favorite to reach the playoffs from the West, this time around they are finding it increasingly difficult to stay on pace with their rivals around. To make matters worse, the Warriors are now being hounded by a resurgent Rockets, but Draymond Green has recently provided his bold take on the matter.
Draymond Green delivers unfiltered thoughts on Rockets
Draymond Green has been making headlines with his controversial statements for a while and this time was no different. The ever-vocal Green claimed that he is not keeping an eye on the Houston Rockets who are just behind the tenth-seeded Warriors in the Western Conference table struggling for a spot in the NBA play-ins.
While talking to the reporters the 34-year-old stated, “I don’t give a damn about the Rockets”, when he was asked about the Houston franchise’s off-late success.
“I don’t give a damn about the Rockets.”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 25, 2024
– Draymond
pic.twitter.com/OahvEqjrAr
Green has averaged 8.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the 35 face offs in his career against the Rockets. The Warriors star has won the post-season games against the Rockets in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. However, things are not the same now.
The Dubs have suffered 6 losses in their last 10 games with Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves being the latest. Whereas, the Rockets, who are just behind them, have extended their winning streak to eight with their recent win against the Utah Jazz.
The Warriors’ resilient leader Stephen Curry, for whom “Every game matters,” has admitted to keeping track of the Rockets’ performances, unlike his teammate.
While talking to the press the 2-time MVP said, “We’re inching closer to the other end of the standings. Nobody’s gonna wave the white flag. If that means playing more minutes, I’ll be ready to do that.”
Steph Curry: “The situation will define itself pretty clearly. It is in real time. Every game matters. We’re inching closer to the other end of the standings. Nobody’s gonna wave the white flag. If that means playing more minutes, I’ll be ready to do that.” pic.twitter.com/om2Mm8hZal
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 25, 2024
To hold onto their 10th spot, the GSW needs to buckle up and up their game as the Rockets are only a game behind them. The race for the 10th spot certainly needs more attention than what Draymond Green is paying.
Warriors and Rockets locked in for NBA playoff spot
Despite having slim chances of qualifying for the NBA play-in tournament, the Rockets have made an outstanding effort lately and are still in the chase for the post-season tournament.
The West standings have turned way more interesting as the regular season is coming towards the end. The Rockets have managed a 35-35 record and have won 9 out of 10 games whereas the Warriors have succeeded in winning 4 of their 10 last games. The Warriors and Rockets will face each other on April 4 at the latter’s home court where they have a winning advantage of 25-11 so far this season, and with their current winning streak they can very well take over the GSW’s position.
According to the Western table, the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are in the play-in tournament spots, but it is not too late for the Houston Rockets to chase for the spot as the Warriors are just a hair ahead. The Rockets are fighting for a spot in the play-in so that they can enter the play-off tournament which is starting right after the play-ins on April 20.
