"They will be able to flip the switch"- Max Kellerman is backing the Golden State Warriors to get past their road issues and make a Finals run
The defending champions Golden State Warriors didn't exactly have the season they were hoping to have. The team encountered some struggles earlier this year within themselves. Attitude got in the way, the players were playing selfishly, the chemistry wasn't in sync and it seemed like the Warriors weren't going to make the playoffs.
Things turned around when the Golden State Warriors stepped up their game and decided to play like a team again. As a result, the Warriors managed to climb their way back into the playoff picture and are now currently ranked 5th in the West. However, there's possibly another obstacle Golden State needs to overcome coming into the postseason.
All season long, the Warriors struggled to win games on the road. Having that kind of track record arguably brings some concern that Golden State might find it difficult to win road games in the playoffs. According to USA Today, ESPN's Max Kellerman isn't concerned about this potential problem and is confident that the team can take care of business in the postseason. Kellerman said:
“Their record is deceptive. They don’t win on the road because as an aging, veteran team, who has had some pieces missing, they are saving their best for the home games. They understand when they have to give that little extra, they’re doing it at home."
Max continued:
"They will be able to flip the switch. I think I am to the max on the Warriors [making a Finals run].”
Can the Golden State Warriors survive the first round of the playoffs?
The Golden State Warriors (42-38) managed to turn their season around by making their way back into the playoff picture after a rough start this year. With only three games remaining in their season, they could either clinch the 5th or 6th seed. If they manage to win their upcoming game on Friday against the Sacramento Kings, it's possible they could clinch the 5th seed.
Having that in mind, the Warriors could potentially face Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the first round. This could be a potential problem for Golden State, given how lethal the Suns have become since Durant's arrival. Facing them in the first round could lead to an early playoff exit. With that said, head coach Steve Kerr could choose to play it smart in their final three regular-season games.
If the Warriors lose two of their three games, they can still clinch the 6th seed, avoiding the play-in tournament while dodging a potential matchup against Phoenix. Golden State would then instead be matched up with the Sacramento Kings, putting them at a slight advantage, given that the Kings are somewhat inexperienced in the postseason.