Stephen A. Smith's Warriors History Gaffe: The 'We Believe' Team Says Otherwise

Oh, Stephen A., you almost had it. The world of sports commentary thrives on strong opinions, passionate debates, and, ideally, an ironclad grasp of the facts. And while Stephen A. Smith certainly delivers on the first two counts with a force unmatched, a recent gaffe concerning the Golden State Warriors' playoff history has left many scratching their heads – and perhaps a few long-time fans chuckling knowingly.

The fiery ESPN personality, known for his definitive statements and theatrical flair, confidently asserted that the Golden State Warriors had never reached the playoffs without their generational superstar, Stephen Curry. Now, for anyone who's followed the NBA even semi-closely over the last decade, that statement might feel right. Curry, after all, transformed the franchise into a dynasty, ushering in an era of unprecedented success. But, as history often reminds us, the narrative isn't always as straightforward as it seems at first glance.

This particular claim, however, isn't just a minor oversight; it's a fundamental misremembering of the team's journey. Before the Splash Brothers became a global phenomenon, before the championship parades and the record-breaking seasons, there was a Golden State Warriors squad that captivated the league with an underdog story for the ages. We're talking, of course, about the legendary 2006-07 "We Believe" team.

That squad, led by Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Matt Barnes – a gritty, exciting group under coach Don Nelson – wasn't just a playoff team; they were the story of the postseason. As the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they faced the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks, who had dominated the regular season with an incredible 67 wins. Nobody gave the Warriors a chance. Yet, in one of the greatest upsets in NBA history, they dispatched the Mavericks in a thrilling six-game series. And guess what? Stephen Curry was still playing college basketball at Davidson at that time. He wouldn't even be drafted by the Warriors until 2009!

But wait, there's more. The "We Believe" team wasn't an isolated incident. Fast forward a few years to the 2013-14 season. Yes, Stephen Curry was on the roster then, beginning to blossom into the player we know today. However, the team's performance that year, while solid, wasn't yet fully dependent on the singular, MVP-level dominance we'd see later. They made the playoffs, a respectable sixth seed, and faced the Los Angeles Clippers in a tough seven-game series. It was a playoff appearance driven by a strong collective, not solely by the supernova force of prime Curry.

So, to declare that the Warriors' playoff aspirations are and always have been inextricably tied to Stephen Curry's presence is, quite frankly, a painful misstep for someone so steeped in the game. It overlooks significant chapters of the franchise's past, particularly that unforgettable "We Believe" run which resonated deeply with fans and showcased the team's resilience long before number 30 donned the blue and gold.

It just goes to show, doesn't it? Even the most informed, most vocal, and most passionate commentators can occasionally trip over a historical fact. Perhaps it’s a good reminder for all of us that revisiting the archives can sometimes provide the most compelling and accurate context, even for stories we think we know inside and out.