Warriors vs. Clippers Was A Playoff Series For The Ages
By Eric He
How The Teams Got Here
May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 126-121 to win the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Warriors: The Warriors had a season where they accomplished many milestones and achievements, yet somehow disappointed. Fifty-one wins, back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in two decades, an All-Star starter in Stephen Curry, more national spotlight than ever before? All good. Inconsistent play, losing to inferior teams, lack of bench production, Mark Jackson on the hot seat, two assistant coaches sent packing, no improvement in the standings from last year? All bad. Thus, the final verdict of the season would be determined by how far they got in the playoffs.
Clippers: Expectations had probably never been higher for the Clippers. With Doc Rivers coming over from Boston, two bona fide superstars in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and arguably the deepest team in the NBA, the Clippers were expected to not only overshadow the Lakers, but also compete for a championship. They did not disappoint, winning 57 games and finishing third in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Warriors-Clippers Rivalry: Mark Jackson won’t call it one, but the Warriors and Clippers developed a rivalry during the regular season. That’s what happens when you have two divisional opponents in fanatical sports regions who are suddenly becoming good and have an obvious distaste for one another. From the Clippers refusing to attend chapel with the Warriors to several fights breaking out during the game on Christmas Day, these two teams just do not like each other, which is what made this playoff series so indulging for even the casual fan.