3 realistic goals for Golden State Warriors in 2021 NBA Playoffs

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after shooting and making a three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The Golden State Warriors bounced back this season and have some clear goals as the 2021 NBA Playoffs get underway this week.

The Golden State Warriors are (nearly) back in the 2021 NBA Playoffs and get to start with a play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The winner advances and earns the No. 7 seed, while the loser gets one more shot to qualify as the No. 8 seed.

Golden State being back in the postseason would be good for the NBA. Stephen Curry is one of the league’s top stars and he obviously has some legendary postseason moments. But what are some realistic goals the Warriors can achieve in the playoffs?

3. Win a play-in game

Let’s start with the easiest and most obvious goal of all. The Warriors need to win a play-in game if any other goals are even going to be considered.

Golden State enters the postseason on a six-game winning streak, and a matchup with the Lakers is the NBA’s dream scenario for the play-in. But let’s say the Warriors lose to Los Angeles. Their recent win streak allowed the Dubs to jump ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies and get two chances to win one game for a real playoff berth.

This is a much different Warriors team than the dynasty that went to five straight NBA Finals, winning three of them. The current bunch, led by Curry and Draymond Green, actually resembles past Warriors teams that took on an underdog role.

Falling back into that role would be fun for fans. But this team still has title aspirations, and that could mean a first-round upset if this first goal is achieved.

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