How Warriors' heartbreaking loss shakes up West playoff picture

Another painful reality for the Warriors is that the Timberwolves face the easiest remaining schedule, which includes games against the Nets and Jazz. The Warriors, too, have a winnable game against the Trail Blazers on Friday but face a tall task against the red-hot Clippers on Sunday. If the Warriors had won on Wednesday, they wouldn't be in a "must-win" scenario against Los Angeles in the season's final game. 

A win against Portland would have clinched them a guaranteed playoff berth, giving them a 49-32 record going into the season finale. Instead, they are now fighting for their playoff lives. 

Alas, such is life. The Warriors know they've dug themselves a hole, but Stephen Curry wants his teammates to keep believing. 

"With two games left, you can kind of narrow it down to, 'Ok, there are 48 minutes left against Portland and then on Sunday [against Clippers].' We've had a very professional approach and consistent level we're playing at... A good team will bounce back and take care of business in the next two games," Curry said.

To summarize, the Warriors are not assured a top-six playoff berth even if they beat the Blazers and Clippers. At this point, they no longer control their fate, all thanks to a former teammate in Barnes.  

The Warriors' loss also all but guarantees the Clippers (48-32) and Nuggets (48-32) won't drop to the play-in. Those teams owe Barnes for his dagger just as much as the Grizzlies and Timberwolves.