Stephen Curry powered through the pain in Monday’s 116-102 win over the Chicago Bulls, and it was the type of performance needed for a team that has to decide what to make of themselves as they close out this season. Is this a roster that is capable of giving the Western conference a run for their money? We’ve seen Golden State overcome the Jazz, Lakers, and Clippers all in a noteworthy fashion, displaying the type of tenacity that could give them a puncher’s chance in a first-round playoff matchup.

Or, is this team already looking towards next season, with the acceptance that this roster is in need of additional pieces to bolster the number of young players that are bound to face growing pains? For every notable win, there has been an equally gut-wrenching loss, as Golden State finds themselves continuously hovering around a .500 record on the season. They’ve yet to capitalize on a string of wins to give them a cushion and currently find themselves sitting at 23-24.

This upcoming three-game road trip against the Heat, Raptors, and Hawks could potentially answer that question, and allow Golden State to steer the season back on track. With the exception of the top two or three teams in the West right now, all other spots are in flux. If the Warriors truly want to compete and ensure this season wasn’t for nothing, then they must close out the season on the right note, starting with this upcoming road trip.

The Heat (23-24), Raptors (18-29), and Hawks (23-24) all present winnable scenarios for Golden State, should they allow themselves not to be their own worst enemy. Let’s not forget the back-to-back losses to the Magic and Hornets back in mid-February. If history had gone the other way, the Warriors would be 25-22: a record that is much easier on the eyes. But poor late-game management and tendencies that mimic the 15-50 team from last season have been the Achilles heel for this team. Underwhelming performances pile up and produce losing streaks like that one that preceded Monday’s win, and it’s left Golden State in the position they’re in now: hanging onto that final play-in spot.

This road trip leaves the opportunity for the Warriors to rattle off three valuable wins, bringing them to 26-24 before facing a couple of contenders in their way. If Golden State can leverage a winning streak on this trip, then they’ll be better suited to pull off the upset once the Bucks visit Chase Center on April 6th. And with two favorable matchups against the Rockets and Wizards following that, a matchup against the Nuggets on April 12th seems less daunting as well.

Golden State was handed a rough start to begin this second half of the season, but their saving grace could be a favorable stretch of games to complete their schedule. Emphasis on could*, as it all hinges on where the Warriors find themselves in the standings. If the losses pile up: who’s to say you don’t consider sitting Steph and Draymond in preparation for next season.

But if they can position themselves to make a run, then they very well can be rewarded with winnable games late into April. That depends on the Warriors setting themselves up for success, and that means steering themselves back on track, starting with this three-game road trip.