Ranking the Golden State Warriors’ Potential Playoff Matchups

3. Oklahoma City Thunder – Prediction: Thunder win series 4-1

Golden State isn’t even playing that poorly, they’re just completely outmatched by the combination of size, speed and athleticism that the Thunder can put on the floor at any given moment. Besides Miami, Oklahoma City has the deadliest offense in the NBA. Kevin Durant’s ability to score at will creates problems for even the toughest defenses – something the Warriors will never be confused of having.

April 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates with point guard Russell Westbrook (0) after the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The City Thunder defeated the Warriors 116-97. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

As I’ve already explained in a previous post (that laughably predicted a big night from Andrew Bogut against the Thunder), Russell Westbrook’s presence on the floor has a devastating effect on Curry’s efficiency (38 percent FG, 24 percent 3FG). That forces him to pass to his teammates, who can’t produce offense with the same frequency and efficiency as Curry.

That being said, if Curry and Thompson can go off from beyond the arc, Lee pitches in his obligatory double-double and Westbrook decides to take 25 pull-up jumpers, the Warriors are more than capable of taking a game at home from the Thunder. That’s about as much as you could expect though.