Sports

Jackson, Warriors feeling pressure to meet high expectations this season

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) shoots over Miami Heat's Mario Chalmers, right, as LeBron James, left, looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) (The Associated Press)

Golden State Warriors' David Lee (10) dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Oakland, Calif. Golden State won 123-80. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson admits expectations are something new to his team, and they've done a poor job handling them so far this season.

The pressure to live up to the lofty standards they set is only expected to build — especially on Jackson — as the NBA's marathon season enters the stretch run.

The Warriors (31-22), who talked about contending for the Western Conference title in training camp, are tied for the final playoff spot entering the All-Star break. While they're one game better than this time last year, it's not where most — including outspoken Warriors owner Joe Lacob — thought they would be.