Warriors’ playoff push begins in earnest tonight against Kings

SAN FRANCISCO — The push is officially on.

With Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford set to share the floor for the first time Friday against the Kings, the Warriors begin an abbreviated dress rehearsal for what they hope can turn into an improbable playoff run from the bottom position in the Western Conference.

Can the veteran trio jell quickly and smoothly enough to carry Golden State through two win-or-go-home games on the road for a crack against the defending champion Thunder?

That is what coach Steve Kerr and Co. will try to decipher in two final regular season games that don’t otherwise carry much weight. In the meantime, third-year guard Brandin Podziemski was asked what gave him confidence in an aging roster that has been decimated by injuries.

“I mean, we got Steph,” he said.

And with Curry comes something else.

“We’ve got some hope,” Kerr said. 

That hope is rooted in the belief that Thursday’s 119-103 loss to the Lakers will be the last time they play without Curry, Porzingis or Horford. The trio played only 28 of a possible 87 games since the trade deadline — none all together until Friday night in Sacramento.

A postseason path that would require two road wins and four flights just to earn another home game presents other complications, but the lack of back-to-backs does provide some optimism for the availability of the veteran trio all managing their health in one way or another.

“Obviously, we’ve been through the ringer here over the last six, eight weeks,” Kerr said. “But we’re in a position where we have a chance to get into the playoffs, have some guys getting healthy (and) have a chance to hopefully … get a couple games to develop a rhythm and get a good swing at it.”

Podziemski closes in on all 82

In a season defined by injuries, Podziemski’s best quality has been his availability. Entering Friday, he was one of 18 players around the NBA who hadn’t missed a game this season.

Barring the expected, Podziemski will play all 82 games this season, following in the footsteps of former teammates Kevon Looney and Buddy Hield, who did so the past two seasons.

“Just to see the habits they had and then just really finding a flow for me after my injuries last year has really helped me,” Podziemski said. “Whoever’s out there will always know I’m out there with them. I take it personal in a way, but I just love hoops and enjoy being out there playing.”

Without Curry, the 23-year-old combo guard has shouldered scoring and playmaking responsibilities. It has been an up-and-down for Podziemski but should be valuable experience.

“I think it’s been cool for me, having different roles throughout the year, being put in different situations, getting different opportunities, just seeing where I stack up,” he said. “A lot of learning lessons for me, as well. I think it’s gonna better me for my future.”

Horford comes out of his shell

Podziemski pointed to the playoff pedigree of Porzingis and Horford, in addition to the four titles won with Curry, as another reason for confidence. Both big men were a part of the Celtics’ 2024 title team, and Kerr said Horford started to emerge as a leader in the locker room in February.

“He’s somebody all the players look up to,” Kerr said. “He’s one of those guys that only speaks occasionally and just has a sense for saying the right thing at the right time.”

Bassey more than just a big body

If all goes according to plan, Horford and Porzingis won’t leave many front court minutes unaccounted for, meaning Charles Bassey shouldn’t see the floor much going forward.

But the Warriors may have found a center they can count on next season in the 25-year-old former five-star recruit. In two games as the Warriors’ lone big man since coming up from their G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, Bassey has recorded double-doubles each time.

“We told him we had plenty of minutes for him when we signed him,” Kerr said. “He’s doing a great job. Very active on the glass and a nice scoring touch in the paint.”

Moody improves the mood

The Warriors won’t get Moses Moody back on the court until next season, but the fifth-year wing’s presence has provided a recent morale boost. Moody was back with the team this week for the first time since season-ending surgery to repair his patellar tendon.

Standing on crutches, Moody got a warm welcome from the crowd inside Chase Center during Tuesday’s win over the Kings and took part in the Warriors’ pregame huddle on Thursday.

“It was really fun to see Moses,” Kerr said. “All the guys were excited to see him.”

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