SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors locker room fell unusually silent shortly after their shorthanded loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on Wednesday night. Players like Gary Payton II quickly dressed, gathered their gear, and headed out, wishing everyone a “great All-Star break.” The team eagerly anticipates the seven-day midseason respite and its potential advantages.
Coach Kerr Highlights Rest and Reinforcements
Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the timely nature of the break. “We’ve got a chance to get recharged here over the break,” Kerr stated. “We’ve got plenty to play for. Obviously we’ll have to incorporate Kristaps [Porzingis], get Steph [Curry] back. I feel like we can be a really good team and I feel like our guys are showing why with the way they’re competing, and moving the ball, and playing together.”
Golden State anticipates Stephen Curry’s return from runner’s knee issues and Kristaps Porzingis’ integration after his recent trade acquisition. Porzingis joins from Atlanta in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield the other way. He battles postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which impacts his heart rate, but plans to stay in San Francisco during the break to accelerate his adaptation.
Aging Roster Gains from Downtime
Guard Pat Spencer, 29, noted the Warriors’ veteran core requires recovery time. Key players include Curry (37), Draymond Green (35), Al Horford (39), Seth Curry (35), and Payton (33). “For us, it’s just about getting healthy,” Spencer said. “We will be a totally different ball club with Curry and Porzingis on the court.”
Playoff Push Ahead
The Warriors enter the break at 29-26, holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Teams below them traded away talent, signaling tanking intentions, while Golden State added win-now pieces like Porzingis. Action resumes February 19 against the Boston Celtics.
Despite Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear and the squad’s older stars, optimism runs high for a strong finish. Last season, the Warriors surged 23-8 after acquiring Butler, and with 27 games left, they aim to replicate that run. “I think the biggest thing is just reflecting on where we can get better, what we can do, and we know we’re still a great team,” guard De’Anthony Melton said. “We know we can beat pretty much any team. So just got to figure those things out and just stay more dialed in.”
