The Golden State Warriors previously came off a Finals appearance in the 2018-2019 season against the Toronto Raptors to which they succumbed in six games. A year later, the team was nowhere to be found in the playoff race as their campaign was marred by Stephen Curry's hand injury and Klay Thompson's torn ACL injury.
The Warriors went on to finish the 2019-2020 season on a disappointing 15-50 record to settle in the cellar of the Western Conference. It was an unusual sight for Curry and the Warriors as their struggles ultimately ended their seven consecutive trips to the postseason.
“I think not being a part of the bubble at the beginning was hard. There’s 22 teams on there that are grinding and getting ready to do the restart, and we’re sitting at home. Then it kind of died down a little bit until the playoffs started. And that’s when I just missed being in that fight, and in that competition, and playing with the best teams in the league every year. So it was tough watching. I haven’t watched the playoffs at home in six years. So it was definitely weird,” he told The Undefeated.
Watching from his home, Curry admired the efforts and gave credit to the Los Angeles Lakers who delivered a masterclass performance and were eventually hailed as the 2020 NBA Champions.
“L.A. played amazing. Like LeBron, AD [Anthony Davis], I was happy for them, obviously. When you know what it takes to win a championship, whether you’re in the fight or not, you appreciate that final moment when a team accomplishes their goal. And it’s almost inspiring and motivating for us to get back and look forward to this year. And then, obviously, you include just what it took to get the bubble off and what that sacrifice was being down there for however many days. I’m glad they got through the season. I’m glad it worked. And L.A. did what they had to do and got it done.”
Seeing how the Purple and Gold dominated the entire postseason, Stephen Curry knows that he is facing a tall task of dethroning LeBron James and the Lakers next season. The challenge eventually became more daunting for the Warriors especially with Klay Thompson's recent torn Achilles injury.
Nonetheless, Stephen Curry will aim to lead the Warriors back to title contention and prove that he is still one of the greatest players in the league today.