As the regular season is coming to its end, it’s hard not to acknowledge the fact that the Golden State Warriors are the main favorites to lift the NBA title at the end of this campaign. They have been historically good and it’s almost impossible to spot a weakness in their game. Nevertheless, the road to an NBA title isn’t easy and even if you are the best during the regular season, that doesn’t mean you are going to be the best in the playoffs. Because of that, we will discuss the top five teams that pose the biggest threat to the Warriors’ championship ambitions.
5. Houston Rockets
The Rockets are among the teams that can defeat the Warriors mainly because of one guy on their roster. His name is James Harden. Houston is definitely a title contender, but their championship hopes rely mainly on Harden’s performance throughout the playoffs. However, even if he shows amazing skills, it’s undeniable that Golden State is better than Houston. The Rockets lack power at the point-guard position and the fact that they lost Patrick Beverley’s defense will be a big factor. Houston doesn’t have a defense that can stop the Warriors offense.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been amazing this season, as they have taken their grit-and-grind style to another level. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, are a very scary pair of big guys that will surely pose a big threat to the Warriors defense. Golden State currently play Bogut and Green at the center and power forward positions, and while Bogut is a decent match for Gasol, Green will struggle with defending Randolph. Because of their big front line, the Grizzlies stand a chance against the Warriors.
3. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks play quite similarly to the Warriors and, as a result, both teams are quite evenly matched. If the squads meet in the Finals, it’s quite hard to pick out a winner. The Hawks have amazing ball movement, excellent shooters, and great inside presence, which makes them a team to be reckoned with. The main problem for the Hawks is their recent weak form. Except that, they are one of the teams that have big chances of defeating the Warriors in a seven game series.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have played magnificent basketball lately and thanks it to it they have emerged as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James has been terrific in the last couple of months, leading Cleveland to the second spot in the East. Furthermore, he is the main reason the Cavs have great chances of defeating the Warriors if both teams meet in the NBA Finals. Moreover, having Kyrie Irving on the roster certainly helps too.
1. San Antonio Spurs
The good old Spurs are again among the teams that are poised to create an upset. San Antonio is the most experienced team in the entire league and because of that they are the main favorite to defeat Golden State in the playoffs. Tim Duncan and company have seen it all and they will not be impressed by the Warriors if they meet each other in the postseason. Furthermore, the offensive emergence of Kawhi Leonard is huge this season and he is one of the little players in the NBA that can guard Stephen Curry successfully.
NBA News: Top 5 threats for the Golden State Warriors' championship ambitions?
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