Golden State Warriors face 'different challenge,' enter playoffs with no expectations

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors are back in the playoffs for the first time in two years. And unlike the last time they were in the postseason — and the four times before that — there aren't many expectations surrounding them.

Sure, they are expected to make it past the first round. Maybe even the second. Some believe they could go to the Western Conference Finals. But none of the discussion around the Warriors compares to their dynastic era, when they were clear favorites to win it all every season.

«Nobody is picking us to win, to come out of the West, at least I don't think, except our families,» Stephen Curry said. «Which is fine. It's just a matter of you've got to win four games, and in order to do that, we have a certain game plan we are going to try and execute on Saturday… and we understand every game takes on a new life of its own.»

Added Steve Kerr: «I think four years ago… I am expecting to win a championship. But we are a different team now. I don't have any expectations. I know I'm not going into the playoffs thinking, 'All right, we're going to do this or do that,' I'm just thinking, 'How can we beat Denver on Saturday?' In a lot of ways, it makes it really fun. Maybe not as fun as having one of the greatest rosters ever assembled, but it's a completely different challenge and unique.»

The Warriors are by no means counted out. But for them to truly compete with the two teams above them in the standings — the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies — a lot has to go right.

That includes the team's health.

Curry took a step toward getting Golden State's roster whole again on Thursday as he participated in the team's scrimmage, a crucial marker in getting him back on the court after a month away.

But