For the Golden State Warriors, this is just the beginning.
Golden State fell to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, putting an end to their Cinderella-esque postseason run. But this isn’t it. And the Warriors want Dubs Nation to know that.
With a young core in place, the Warriors have a blindingly bright future. They made it further than anyone could have predicted—and if they say otherwise, they’re lying–and should have no regrets. They played their hearts out. That’s all that matters.
Their fans know this. Golden State has some of the most dedicated and loyal fans in the NBA. And after the Warriors’ Game 6 loss, many of the players took to Twitter to offer their gratitude.
A now unquestioned superstar, Stephen Curry offered his thanks to everyone, Golden State’s fans included.
Thank you God. Thank you #dubnation. Thank you 2 all my teammates & coaches. Thanks to everyone apart of this year and the run…next year!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) May 17, 2013
David Lee—who played through a torn hip flexor—did much of the same.
Amazing season by the best group of guys in the NBA, sorry to see it end tonight! Thanks again to our fans for their loyal support!!! #GSW
— David Lee (@Dlee042) May 17, 2013
Andrew Bogut got his Twitter on as well. He thanked fans for their support and vowed to get his rehab going right away.
Thanks for all the support during the good and the bad this season. Tough to see it end this way. Time to get this wheel right. #rest #rehab
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) May 17, 2013
Bogut spent much of the season battling ankle injuries and while he was a huge factor for much of the postseason, you could tell he wasn’t 100 percent. Some rest and relaxation is just what he needs.
All Festus Ezeli needs is to make good on his pledge. He promised Dubs Nation that the Warriors would be back strong next season.
#rp shoutout to best fans. Thank you for all the support guys!!! Surreal that it’s over. We’ll be back… instagram.com/p/ZZ4ERUr7i5/
— Festus Ezeli (@fezzyfel) May 17, 2013
Kent Bazemore got in on the party too, expressing both disbelief and appreciation.
Great season…! Don’t really know how to feel
— Kent Bazemore (@KentBazemore20) May 17, 2013
The Bay though… Much love. For real
— Kent Bazemore (@KentBazemore20) May 17, 2013
It wasn’t just the players, though. Warriors head coach Mark Jackson had plenty to say.
First, he thanked the fans, just like everyone else.
“I thank the fans and this organization, and especially these guys” @jacksonmark13
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) May 17, 2013
Then he praised his team.
Great Year! So Proud of my Guys! #2GodBeTheGlory
— Mark Jackson (@JacksonMark13) May 17, 2013
And then, he spoke in hyperbole, because that’s what he does.
“I could not be prouder of any group. I could go on & win championships…I will not be prouder of any group I ever coach.” – Mark Jackson
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 17, 2013
Sounds like one of his in-game huddles, doesn’t it?
Golden State’s fresh off a loss, so I won’t question Jackson’s merit here, but something tells me if he won a few championships, he’d find a squad he appreciates at least just as much, if not more.
But right now, that doesn’t matter. The loss doesn’t even matter. All that matters is these Warriors, and what they were able to do. What they were able to accomplish, even though they weren’t supposed to be good enough.
Golden State unseated a talented Denver Nuggets team in Round 1 and then gave a powerhouse like the Spurs all they could handle. That wasn’t supposed to happen. But it did. When merely making the playoffs should have been enough, the Warriors did more. So much more.
And while their season may be over, this isn’t a failure. Nor is it the end. It’s the beginning of something real.
Of something great.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
