Steph Curry makes the Warriors an intriguing NBA playoff longshot

The 2021 NBA Playoffs are underway, and there are several strong contenders to keep an eye on. The Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Milwaukee Bucks are all formidable foes in the Eastern Conference, while the Western Conference has four teams with legitimate championship aspirations. Amongst the giants, however, there is one longshot that deserves a look at +10000, and that is the team of the 2010’s, the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors hung tough against the defending champs

On Wednesday evening, the Warriors faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers and tasted defeat thanks to a LeBron James 3-pointer that was his longest make of the season. The Warriors held the lead for much of the game and were clearly competitive with the team that is favored to win the Western Conference.

The Warriors should make short work of the Grizzlies

On Friday evening, the Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies in a win-or-go-home game, but they are favored by 4.5 points and have the two best players in that contest with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. If they are able to defeat the Grizzlies and earn a first-round matchup against the Utah Jazz, their odds will likely go to +5000.

Golden State's defense has been formidable at times

Against the Utah Jazz the Warriors would likely find themselves in a defensive slugfest. The Jazz had the most efficient defense in the entire league while the Warriors had the second most efficient over the last 15 games of the regular season. Despite the fanfare Curry deservedly earns for his ability to score, this Warriors team is built on defense. In low-scoring bouts, points come at a premium, and Curry’s ability to score clutch points in inconceivable ways could make all the difference.

Mitchell's status is a question mark

When the Jazz take the court for their first round series, it will be star guard Donovan Mitchell’s first appearance in over a month as he recovers from a sprained ankle. While Mitchell is young, agile, and presumably back in good health, lingering concerns about his ability to play at a high level give further hope that the Warriors can stage the upset.

Never count out Steph Curry

There is no doubt the Warriors have a significant uphill climb to re-acquire a Western Conference crown, but the way Curry has played this spring makes them an intriguing longshot.

Green is playing inspired basketball, and over the last 15 games the Warriors' total efficiency has been fourth best in the league. They have championship pedigree, championship coaching, and maybe the best player on the court on any given night.

The Warriors don’t deserve to be favorites, but as shown by their grit and quality on Wednesday night against the Lakers and overall play over the last month, they are a team to be feared.