For Warriors, no more excuses as playoffs open

Thirty minutes after enduring a 40-point beating Tuesday night in Salt Lake City, Warriors point guard Quinn Cook filtered out from the showers and glanced at a TV mounted on the far wall. On the screen was Houston's Chris Paul lacing a dribble between Lakers center Ivica Zubac's legs before Paul knifed through the key for an uncontested layup. "Damn," Cook said, shaking his head as he turned toward his locker stall. It was a sobering reminder of how much has changed for Golden State. A year after they steamrolled to their second NBA title in three seasons, the Warriors are no longer the prohibitive championship favorites entering Game 1 of the first round Saturday against San Antonio.