With only nine regular-season games left, the Golden State Warriors are facing increasing pressure — and for once, they’re no longer the undisputed kings of the Western Conference. Stephen Curry has been officially ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to injury, and the Warriors’ recent struggles have them on pace for their worst record in years. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are rewriting their franchise history, breaking win records and sending a clear message to the rest of the league. For those tracking the season on Cricket Exchange, the tide may be turning.
The Warriors dominated the NBA for three straight seasons, making it to the Finals each year and winning two championships. During that stretch, they were virtually unbeatable in both the West and the league as a whole. But this year, the Rockets have thrown a wrench into the narrative. Once considered a sure bet for the Western Conference crown, the Warriors now face serious competition. In today’s blowout loss at home — without Durant, Curry, Thompson, or Green — critics might chalk it up to missing stars. But even when fully loaded, the Warriors have struggled.
Back on January 30, all four stars played against the Utah Jazz, and the result was still brutal: a 30-point loss, 99–129. In fact, across two games this season, the Jazz have completely dismantled the Warriors by a combined 49 points. That kind of beatdown is rare and signals that the Jazz have become the first team this season to thoroughly outplay Golden State. It’s no longer just about injuries — something deeper is off with this squad.
Head coach Steve Kerr has publicly said the Warriors hope to avoid teams like the Timberwolves and Pelicans in the playoffs, but based on current form, the Jazz should top that list. Sitting eighth in the West, the Jazz could still climb higher, but if they meet the Warriors in the first round — especially without Curry — it might be a case of David toppling Goliath. That kind of upset is exactly what makes the NBA postseason must-watch, especially for fans following every shift on Cricket Exchange.
On top of Curry’s absence, Durant, Thompson, and Green are all sidelined as well. As a result, the Warriors’ impressive streak of three consecutive 60-win seasons is almost certainly over. Still, they hold an 8.5-game lead over the third-place Trail Blazers and have effectively locked up a top-two seed. After today’s game, the Warriors dropped to 54–19, marking the lowest win percentage since Steve Kerr took over as head coach.
While the Warriors battle injuries and inconsistency, the Rockets are on fire. With a 60–14 record and a nine-game winning streak, they’re firmly atop the NBA standings. For those watching the playoff picture unfold on Cricket Exchange, the momentum clearly favors Houston — and the defending champs may have a real fight on their hands if they want to reclaim their throne.