With 10 games left in the season, the Warriors (38-34) and Rockets (37-35) are in a grueling battle for the tenth and final play-in position out West. The race for the final spot promises to go down to the wire, especially with the two teams set to lock horns on April 4 in a game that could seal their fates.
Rockets forward Tari Eason is trying to get a head start on the trash-talking before that critical game next week. After his Rockets extended their winning streak to 10 on Wednesday, Eason took to social media to taunt Steve Kerr's team by invoking a line from a cult classic.
As seen below, Eason urged the Warriors to "come out to play," referencing a line from "The Warriors," a 1979 film centered around street gangs from the Bronx and Manhattan. Eason's video was accompanied by the caption, "I know they not liking this!"
“Warriors, come out to play”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 28, 2024
Tari Eason IG Story.
(h/t @AhnFireDigital)
pic.twitter.com/GBo3mULS5e
Eason's jab was most likely a response to Draymond Green's comments last Sunday. After the Rockets got within a game of the Warriors in the standings, Green was asked about trying to stave off Ime Udoka's red-hot team. In response, Green lashed out by saying, "I don't give a damn about the Rockets."
Draymond Green with an honest postgame about the sputtering Warriors.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 25, 2024
“I don’t think we have great habits.”
“We’re a very quiet team.”
“I don’t give a damn about the Rockets.” pic.twitter.com/poNFAVaL5H
It would be quite the anti-climatic end to Golden State's season if they lose the 10th and final play-in spot to the Rockets. In February, the Warriors were one of the hottest teams in the league, so much so that some predicted them making a run for a top-six seed and avoiding a play-in scenario.
The Warriors have a considerably easier strength of schedule than the Rockets, with five of their final 10 games to take place against non-playoff teams. However, Houston is playing fearlessly right now and believes it can beat any opposition, as evidenced by its victory over Thunder on Wednesday.
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