In a recent segment on “The Herd,” sports commentator Jason McIntyre expressed skepticism about the Golden State Warriors’ status as the second-best team in the Western Conference, despite their impressive recent performances. McIntyre, a long-time admirer of Steph Curry, reflected on his personal connection to the star player and his journey through the NBA. From Curry’s electrifying run with Davidson to his remarkable career with the Warriors, McIntyre’s admiration for Curry is evident.

Last week, Curry showcased his brilliance by scoring 52 points against the Memphis Grizzlies, followed by 37 points against the Los Angeles Lakers and 36 against the Denver Nuggets. These impressive outings led many to believe that the Warriors were poised to reclaim their dominance in the West. However, the narrative took a turn when the Warriors faced the Houston Rockets. In a stunning defensive display, the Rockets held Curry to a mere 1-for-10 shooting performance, including an 0-for-8 effort from beyond the arc.

McIntyre noted that the Rockets employed a masterful defensive strategy, effectively swarming Curry and limiting his scoring opportunities. This performance raised questions about the Warriors’ depth, as other players struggled to step up in Curry’s absence. Following the game, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler also criticized the officiating, expressing frustration over how often Curry is fouled without receiving calls.

As the discussion evolved, McIntyre highlighted a longstanding debate in the NBA regarding the physicality of play across eras. He referenced the “Jordan Rules,” which described how defenders would target Michael Jordan during his early years in the league. While acknowledging that physicality exists in today’s game, McIntyre argued that it is not a matter of toughness for Curry, who has faced his fair share of challenges over his career.

Despite the Warriors’ struggles against the Rockets, McIntyre maintained that the team is still capable of competing in the playoffs. However, he remains unconvinced of their current ranking in the Western Conference, suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers may be the more formidable threat. As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Warriors respond to this setback and whether they can regain their footing as contenders in the West.