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He probably didn't mean it. When Warriors coach Don Nelson essentially gave up on the season, declaring the playoffs an unreachable goal after that discouraging loss in New York, he was reaching deep into the Motivational Kit to put a charge into his players. A few of them actually said they were affected (disturbed, inspired, whatever) by the crack, and there were encouraging signs in the team's victory at Detroit the other night.

Whatever Nelson was trying to accomplish, he spoke an untruth. In the wake of the most recent road trip, we all know the Warriors are not a worthy playoff entry. They should be ruled out of the postseason for unspeakably bad form. That's not the reality, though. They remain frighteningly close to a goal that has eluded them for so many years.

Give the first five spots to Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Utah and Houston; that's a given. The Lakers have all sorts of problems, but they still rest comfortably in the No. 6 slot. The rest is a tightly bunched mess involving eight teams (within four wins of each other in this morning's standings), and as much as you've been discouraged by the Warriors' futility, take an honest look at everyone else's problems (number of wins in parentheses):

Denver (29): Working doggedly in tandem, George Karl and Carmelo Anthony seem determined to screw this up. Even with a tad of chemistry imbalance, any team with Anthony and Allen Iverson should at least make the playoffs -- but then you hear Karl threatening to bench Anthony for his indifference toward coaching. You hear Karl say, "Personally, I think 'Melo should forget about scoring." (Right; that should do it.) We won't get a chance to see Anthony tonight -- his fiancee just gave birth to their first child -- but Karl will get another first-hand look at how desultory the team appears without him.

Los Angeles Clippers (29): Devastated by the Shaun Livingston injury. Point guard Sam Cassell counting his many injuries. Jason Hart signed in desperation to play point guard. Players questioning coach Mike Dunleavy. Corey Maggette still befouling the atmosphere. The awful Chris Kaman at center. Vintage Los Angeles Clippers.

New Orleans (28): It's remarkable how far teams can go with a really good point guard. Chris Paul can hang in any company, but he just doesn't have enough talent surrounding him. The Warriors would be a disgrace if they finished behind this team.

Sacramento (28): Dealing with the inevitable consequences of signing Ron Artest. Yo, Maloof brothers -- do you get it now? They did the right thing "excusing" him from the team, whether a conviction comes down or not (in his domestic-violence case), because Artest has been a problem all season. I think the team will play better without him. It certainly frees up Mike Bibby's cluttered mind. But it you want to match up talent and coaches, the Warriors have a significant edge here.

Minnesota (27): After years of holding back, Kevin Garnett finally expressed his exasperation. Commenting on the team's pitiful lack of action at the trading deadline, he said, "We made no moves. Typical . . . thank God for opt-outs." Garnett will have to play another season before he can opt out of his contract, but you get his point. So do the fans in Minnesota. Never underestimate Garnett's impact or will power, but please. Ricky Davis?

Seattle and Portland (25): Only the standings say they're in contention. Neither club has shown any sense of direction, and with all due credit to Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and the Blazers' impressive crop of rookies -- sorry, not this year.

Put it this way: If Baron Davis stays healthy and the Warriors actually field their best rotations for the next six weeks, they're in great shape to make the playoffs. They're also in tremendous position to break your heart.

 

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