Never Count Them Out: Why the Golden State Warriors Are Still a Threat With Steph Curry at the Helm
In a league where dynasties rise and fall with dizzying speed, the Golden State Warriors have remained a constant force in the NBA conversation for over a decade. And at the center of it all? Stephen Curry — the baby-faced assassin who revolutionized the game with his deep shooting and infectious energy. While critics are quick to point out the team’s age, inconsistencies, and recent playoff exits, dismissing the Warriors while Curry is still wearing the jersey is a mistake no one should make.
Steph Curry Is Still Elite
First and foremost, Curry is not just playing at a high level — he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the world. At age 36, he continues to defy time, averaging over 25 points per game while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. His conditioning, off-ball movement, and mastery of the pick-and-roll make him a puzzle even the best defenses struggle to solve.
Curry doesn’t just hit shots — he bends the geometry of the floor, pulling defenders far beyond the three-point line and creating opportunities for his teammates. His gravity opens lanes for slashers, space for shooters, and chaos for opposing schemes. As long as Steph is healthy and locked in, the Warriors have a fighting chance against anyone.
Championship DNA
It’s easy to forget that this core — Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green — has won four NBA championships together. That kind of playoff experience, chemistry, and mental toughness can’t be taught. When the pressure is on, the Warriors know how to execute. They’ve been through every possible postseason scenario and emerged victorious more often than not.
That championship pedigree matters. In a seven-game series, where adjustments and poise can tip the scales, no one wants to face a battle-tested group that’s proven it can rise to the occasion. The Warriors’ ability to flip the switch — especially when counted out — has become part of their identity.
A Youth Movement Backing the Vets
While the veteran trio still forms the heart of the team, the Warriors have slowly retooled around them. Young talent like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski have brought athleticism and energy to the roster. If these younger players continue to develop, they can provide the spark the Warriors need to extend their competitive window.
Golden State’s front office has also shown a willingness to adapt. Whether it’s integrating younger pieces or tweaking the system around Curry, they’ve kept one eye on the future while honoring the present. This delicate balance — hard to achieve in today’s NBA — is what keeps them relevant.
The System Still Works
Head coach Steve Kerr’s motion offense, predicated on ball movement, spacing, and unselfishness, remains one of the most effective systems in the league — when executed well. While the Warriors have had their ups and downs in recent seasons, the core principles of their style are still sound. With Curry’s unique skill set leading the way, this offense can still pick apart even the most disciplined defenses.
When Golden State gets rolling — the ball whipping around the perimeter, Steph and Klay flying off screens, Draymond orchestrating the chaos — it’s a reminder of why they were once considered unbeatable. That muscle memory doesn’t vanish overnight.
The X-Factor: Belief
Finally, perhaps the most important reason you can’t count out Golden State: belief. This team believes in its system, in its leadership, and in its future. That unwavering confidence, forged in championship fire, can carry a team further than talent alone.
So while the rest of the league gets younger, flashier, or seemingly deeper, one truth remains — if Stephen Curry is on the floor and the Warriors are in the playoff hunt, they are never out of the fight.
You can doubt them. Many have. But if history has taught us anything, it’s this: Never count out the Golden State Warriors when Steph Curry is leading the charge.
