In fact, this year’s hottest All-Star topic is how the Warriors have no second All-Star player besides Roger, yet they are one of the best-performing teams in the West.
This contrast is intriguing.
Entering March, the Warriors’ performance saw significant fluctuations due to the onset of fatigue.
No matter how complete Erik Spoelstra’s rotations are, his strategies are too physically taxing.
The long season has left the entire Warriors team feeling breathless in March.
In April, to ensure the players’ health, Spoelstra intentionally lowered the demands on defense.
He isn’t worried that the team will let their guard down because the Golden State Gangsters know what their goal is.
During this period, Monta Ellis finally returned.
He remained a lethal presence in the developnt league, even achieving over 40 points in so gas.
During his suspension, Monta Ellis didn’t idle; he dedicated himself to physical training, enhancing his resistance ability, watching ga footage, and doing everything to beco stronger.
All of this was evident upon his return.
In the final regular-season ga, Erik Spoelstra gave Monta Ellis and Brandon Bass, the two rookies, 25 minutes of playing ti.
Brandon Bass seized the opportunity as a quietly prepared player, achieving a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
But Monta Ellis, with a poor grasp of his ga, ssed up, hitting only 2 out of 9 shots with very reckless shot selection.
Yet after the ga, Gary Payton did not criticize him.
He rely told the young kid, "Don’t rush, rember this if you get a chance to play in the playoffs."
Nobody knows Monta Ellis’ strength better than Gary Payton; after a season of growth and rigorous training, he definitely has the ability to play a sixth-man role in the NBA.
It’s just that today the kid was too eager to show off, which backfired, but this isn’t a true reflection of his abilities.
If he can play in the playoffs and maintain his composure, he will surely shine.
With the regular season over, the Golden State Warriors hold the third position in the West with a record of 57 wins.
This is one of the few seasons in Roger’s career where the wins didn’t exceed 60.
The Lakers are first in the West with 65 wins, followed by the Spurs with 63 wins, creating a sizable gap from the Warriors.
Though the Warriors are overall strong, their lack of talent is faithfully reflected in the record.
After the match, a site reporter asked Roger if he was satisfied with the regular season record.
Roger waved his hand, "There’s no satisfaction or dissatisfaction; you can’t judge a movie as good or bad by only watching half. Of course, except for really bad movies."
"As we know, your motivation in playing basketball is conquest. If you lose in the playoffs and fail to get the thrill of conquest, would you lose interest in playing? I believe every team will seize this season to defeat you because this is their best chance."
Roger did not answer the question but firmly stated, "No one can beat the Golden State Gangsters this season; you only see that our paper lineup isn’t dazzling, but no one truly knows how strong we are. The best chance to beat us? That’s just what you think."
Back in the locker room, everyone was incredibly excited.
The experiences of the past two years have led the entire Warriors team to understand deeply that the playoffs are where decisive battles happen.
So even if this season didn’t get over 60 wins, it didn’t affect everyone’s mood and confidence.
The real fight is just beginning, and even the fatigue seems to be swept away by the arrival of the playoffs.
In the exciting atmosphere, only Gary Payton sat quietly in the corner, seemingly burdened with worries.
He has never won in the playoffs; throughout his career, he has never claid victory in the playoffs.
Especially in the past two seasons, he looked promising heading into the playoffs but was harshly knocked down by reality.
For him, the playoffs are a suffocating cloud with overwhelming pressure.
He worries more about the outco of the playoffs than anyone else.
If he still can’t win the championship with the Warriors, his career is dood.
His sacrifices, compromises, and everything he has done would be aningless.
At that mont, soone placed a hand on his shoulder.
Gary Payton looked up; it was Roger.
"What’s up?"
"Nothing, just wanted to tell you not to worry needlessly."
"I don’t," the proud Gloves wouldn’t admit to it.
But Roger ignored his response and continued, "Look at this locker room, look at the people who have fought alongside you for a season, and then look at . There’s nothing to worry about, Gary, we won’t let you lose again."
Gary Payton glanced around the locker room, not sure from when he truly trusted this group.
The three-point sharpshooter, Jason Richardson.
Mad Dog, Matt Barnes.
The talented Boris Diaw.
The steadfast Dikembe Mutombo.
The endlessly energetic Marcus Camby.
The loyal and fearless Stephen Jackson.
The reliable Tayshaun Prince.
The quietly hard-working Brandon Bass.
The repentant Monta Ellis.
And the guy who likes to be everyone’s dad.
He’s not sure from when, but he trusts everyone here, likes everyone here.
Including Roger.
Payton said nothing to Roger, but in the subsequent locker room interview, he told reporters, "Of course, I will retire with a ring, this year!"
"Why are you so confident?"
"Why? Look around you; we are the Golden State Gangsters!"
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