NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe feels Warriors are not contenders, they are just pretenders for their poor away record this season

The Golden State Warriors are defending champions this season and they will do everything in their power to defend their crown. But they have had a very bumpy ride this season with Stephen Curry’s injury, Andrew Wiggins absence and plenty of other issues which has led to problems on court.

The team is more or less back in track as they are sixth in the Western Conference and are gradually registering victories. They recently defeated Milwaukee Bucks which will give them confidence.

But the Warriors havn’t won Shannon Sharpe’s confidence, who believes that the Dubs are not contenders or any sort. He labels them as pretenders. He makes such remarks mainly because of their inability to win matches on the road.

“The Warriors are not contenders, they are pretenders. Last night was their ninth straight road loss. Think about it. They shoot 56% on the road, and they lose by 8. Because you cant get stops. You give up 75 points in the second half. You give up 5 defensive rebounds to Zubac, 4 to Russell Westbrook,” Sharpe said during the Undisputed podcast.

The Warriors lost 134-126 against the Los Angeles Clippers despite Stephen Curry’s 50 pointer. Sharpe isn’t impress as he feels that the Warriors are missing Wiggins more than people can think of.

“I mean last night without Steph Curry, Steph shot 20 off 28. He ain’t dunking, laying up, nothing. They are not contenders, they miss Andrew Wiggins more than you think,” Sharpe concluded.

Overall, the Warriors are strong enough to defend the crown this season especially with Stephen Curry back with the team and looking fitter with every passing game. On their day they can win against any team in the league. Even the contending teams will look to avoid the Warriors just because of their pedigree. The trio of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green has achieved so much that teams and players won’t do the injustice of overlooking that aspect.

Curry despite his injury concerns this season is still contending for MVP. While he may not win the prestigious award he is still averaging 30.2 points, 6.2 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. He is currently 35 and can play at this level for a few more years, so the Warriors will be looking to cash in on his form and bag another Championship.