Gold Medal Inspires Playoff Success for Stephen Curry?

Stephen Curry is on fire. Although the Golden State Warriors missed the 2024 playoffs, Curry experienced basketball euphoria during the Paris Olympics. Curry scored 60 points in the last two games, leading Team USA to its fifth consecutive gold medal finish. Curry also signed an extension, passing the $500 million career mark. Will Curry's gold medal victory translate to Golden State's appetite for playoff success?

The four-time NBA champion turns 37 in March. However, considering Curry's Paris Olympics campaign, who's to say he's slowing down anytime soon? Furthermore, the Warriors theoretically have Curry until the summer of 2027, in light of his recent one-year, $62.5 million contract extension.

Despite Golden State missing the 2024 playoffs, Curry's production didn't take a hit. Curry averaged 26 points on a 40 percent 3-point shooting mark. Moreover, Curry had the best turnover average since the 2018-19 season, which was Kevin Durant's last year with the Warriors.

However, Durant isn't coming through that door anytime soon. Curry may have to put the team on his back even more without Klay Thompson in the picture, and Chris Paul went to the San Antonio Spurs.

Unless Mike Dunleavy Jr. finally trades for a second star, you can expect more of the same as last season unless recently acquired Buddy Hield contributes significantly.

For the Warriors to improve on their 46-win season, Curry needs a second star, as the Western Conference has vastly improved.

Related: Warriors Extend Stephen Curry

Also, it would help if the Warriors' best defensive player, Draymond Green, stopped getting suspended.