OAKLAND - During Klay Thompson's recent absence, the Warriors had one of their signature wins of the season against the 76ers... but also suffered their biggest loss of the Steve Kerr era Tuesday against Boston.
Now, with many observers wondering if the champs have enough to win another title this season, Thompson -- who is expected to return Friday night -- has little doubt about his team's chances ahead of the showdown against the Nuggets.
"I don't have not one bit of concern in my body," the guard said following shootaround Friday afternoon.
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Despite Thompson's outward demeanor, his team's performance over the last few weeks are cause for concern. Since the All-Star break, the Warriors have lost four of their last seven games, giving up more than 112.4 points per game while posting a 111.8 defensive rating. Even worse, they've started games slowly, finishing each of their last four first quarters with a deficit.
Still, Thompson, armed with the experience of three championship seasons, believes his team will have the motivation to win another title despite the recent stretch.
"When we're challenged and our backs are against the wall, we are at our best," Thompson said. "Knowing what's at stake these next 18 games we got to play like that."
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Golden State Warriors
The first opportunity to make right by that statement comes Friday night, when the Dubs, who own a one-game lead over the Nuggets, take on Denver.
"I think we're very motivated," Thompson said. "No one wants to travel throughout the playoffs. We're very motivated to get that number one seed and give the fans at Oracle one last hurrah before we move."