On brink of elimination, Golden State Warriors are playing for more than their playoff lives

Down 3-1 and on the brink of elimination, the Golden State Warriors are playing for much more than just their playoff lives heading into Game 5.

Since this historic run for the Golden State Warriors started in 2015, which has equated to six NBA Finals appearances and four NBA Championships, they have not lost a playoff series before the Finals. But that amazing streak is in serious danger as the Warriors are now facing a 3-1 series deficit at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

Heading into a decisive Game 5 on their home floor Wednesday night, the Warriors are playing for much more than just their playoff lives. Golden State may be playing for the entire blueprint against the Lakers.

It may be a bit silly to say that the Warriors would blow up their roster if they lost to the Warriors. And for the most part, I’d agree with that. I don’t believe the Warriors would completely revamp the roster even if they lost Game 5 on their home floor to the Lakers.

Will the Golden State Warriors lean into “light years ahead”?

But for an organization that has prided itself on being “light years ahead,” I can’t envision management bringing back this exact same team after losing in the second round of the playoffs after struggling mightily during the regular season.

Even though the Warriors are not even 12 months removed from winning an NBA Championship, there’s a very real possibility there could be some big changes on the horizon for the Warriors. Especially considering that Klay Thompson has just one year remaining on his contract (after this season) and Draymond Green could test free agency this offseason.

The Warriors have big money tied to Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Jordan Poole over the next few seasons. Short of trading one of those pieces (and it’s unlikely to be Steph or Wiggins), I find it hard to believe that both Klay and Draymond are going to get the max extensions that they’ll likely be seeking at this point in their respective careers.

That could open the door for some real changes for the Warriors this offseason and beyond.

The Warriors would never openly admit that, though. They’re going to continue to say all the right things. Until their actions prove otherwise.

Dynasties almost never end kindly. It’s almost always messy and abrupt. Will that happen with the Warriors? Probably. And should they not come back from this 3-1 series deficit to the Lakers, there’s at least a non-zero chance that the beginning of the end could be here for the Warriors.

It’s been a great run for Golden State for a near-decade. There’s no denying that. But this is a team that is facing many questions this offseason; concerns that will only grow louder should they lose in the second round of the playoffs to the seventh-seeded Lakers.