Warriors have made the play-offs just once in last 19 seasons.
The Golden State Warriors have had an impressive season so far this year, as they sit in sixth spot in the Western Conference and have genuine hopes of reaching the play-offs.
With just over 20 games remaining in the regular season, coach Mark Jackson has overseen a gradual improvement at the Oracle Arena and now has real hopes of leading his men into an extended campaign.
Trailing the Denver Nuggets who have 6 more wins and stand at 40-22, the Warriors are desperately attempting to maintain their form over the stretch in order to hold off the likes of Houston, Utah and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Led by the impressive Stephen Curry and All-Star David Lee, the current roster have the chance to become the first Warriors team to reach the play-offs since 2007, and in the process it would be only the second time they have done so in 19 years.
Golden State play 15 of their final 21 games at home and recently ended a four-game losing streak, having lost 10 of their last 13, against the Toronto Raptors.
Furthermore, eight of the teams they are set to face at home are at or below a .500 record and they also take on the likes of Houston and the Lakers which will undoubtedly be decisive in the race for play-off basketball.
The Lakers represent the biggest threat to their hopes, with a high-scoring Kobe Bryant leading them to an improved run of form as they reach crunch time.
While the gap has been closed since the All-Star break, coach Jackson is well aware of what his players can produce, and will be looking to point guard Curry to maintain what has been an impressive season for the 24-year-old.
Despite having started the season with a 22-10 run – their best in 20 years – the Warriors defense has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as it has failed to continue to be a cornerstone on which their success has been achieved.
As the nerves and doubts creep in to their game in the climax to the regular season, Golden State Warriors now have a chance of achieving something that their fans haven’t seen in a long time.
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