Matt Barnes recalls how the Golden State Warriors were the toughest eighth-seed in league history: “We were bullies. We used to thug people” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
While hoops fans saw the confidence with which the Golden State Warriors disposed of the once-mighty top seed of the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks, what they failed to acknowledge was the long and arduous climb the team endured just to book a ticket to the NBA Playoffs.
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With All-Star guard Baron Davis and high-flying wingman Jason Richardson suffering severe injuries, the Warriors couldn’t find a rhythm and at one point in early March, sported a dismal 26-35 record. It was safe to say that many of them were resigned to missing out on the postseason once again.
But then, something magical happened. Davis and J-Rich returned to action, Stephen Jackson got going, and suddenly, the Warriors got into a groove that would carry them into the postseason and establish them as cult icons in the Bay Area.
The Dubs found their mojo
The spark was lit during the second game of a grueling back-to-back. After losing to the Washington Wizards, the Warriors travelled to Detroit to face off against the powerhouse Pistons. Under the circumstances, many expected them to lose. Instead, they pummelled the reigning Eastern Conference champs, 111-93.
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“I think I had a huge game. I think Stack had a huge game. Baron coming in and playing well … and we blew the Pistons out, and we got on the plane,” Richardson recalled. “I think we’re heading back to Oakland and guys look on the plane like, ‘Aye, we could do this. Let’s make the playoffs.'”
Timing is crucial in the NBA. History has shown how some teams start off on fire only to fade towards the end of the regular season. The Warriors, on the other hand, felt they had several other gears to shift into. And they did, posting wins in 15 of their last 20 games.
“The sense of urgency, we were playing like we were already in the playoffs. We felt good about ourselves, what we were doing,” Stak added. “Everybody kind of knew what they had to do … within the system, and it just all started working right around that time.”
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Not your run-of-the-mill eighth seed
The Warriors closed out the regular season with a dominant 120-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers to finish with a 42-40 record, which was good enough to nab the eighth-seed. And while most eighth-seeds are considered sacrificial lambs, this squad was far from it and they knew it.
“Obviously, we were talented. But we were bullies. We used to thug people. We took pride in that,” Matt Barnes proclaimed. “We used to take pride in scaring people. You could see, as a man, you can see that kind of s—t. And that was something that we definitely took pride in.”
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“We felt like if we could just get in, we were better than an eight seed. We felt like we could beat anybody toward the end of the season. It was just about making sure we somehow get in,” Kelenna Azubuike added.
After conquering their toughest challenge, the Dubs booted the Mavericks out in six games with ease. Though their run ended in the second round against the Utah Jazz, the Warriors delivered the defining moment of the postseason: Baron’s electrifying poster dunk over the highly regarded defender Andrei Kirilenko — a play that lives rent-free in the hearts and minds of hoop fans of all ages.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.