Warriors enjoying run to end 13-year playoff drought

But the Warriors have participated in just five of the last 29 postseasons, and haven't won a playoff round since 1991. Golden State went through eight coaches since Nelson left during the 1994-95 season, but his return -- and the entertaining, up-tempo game plan he installed -- has erased the bad taste from his contentious departure.

"Considering everything that's transpired this year, it's probably one of my better coaching jobs," Nelson said. "It was way harder than I thought."

When the Warriors lost six straight games shortly after the All-Star break, they seemed doomed to an early summer yet again. After a loss in Chicago on Feb. 28, Nelson acknowledged the playoffs probably were out of reach for his injury-plagued, 26-33 club.

But Davis returned two games later, teaming with Harrington and Jackson to form a veteran core. Richardson regained most of his strength after offseason knee surgery, while youngsters Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins continued their emergence as burgeoning stars.

The Warriors closed in while the Clippers foundered, setting up a tantalizing final stretch. Golden State's remaining schedule is favorable, starting with Friday's visit to Sacramento. None of the Warriors' four remaining opponents -- three nonplayoff teams and Dallas -- has much to gain from a victory.

"I think the guys are focused," Nelson said. "They're playing the best they have all year. Our team goal was to be in the hunt and have a shot at it. Everything has kind of come together, and if we go down, we go down swinging."