Golden State Warriors: The Clippers or Jazz dilemma
The Golden State Warriors will face either the Utah Jazz or Los Angeles Clippers next and it begs the question, who do they want?
It feels like it’s been forever since the Golden State Warriors last played a playoff game. It really hasn’t been, but it just feels like a while considering how quickly they were able to sweep the Portland Trail Blazers. Now, Golden State will await the winner of the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers in the next round.
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The Jazz currently hold a 3-2 series lead over Los Angeles, but that can always change quickly in the NBA Playoffs. The Warriors are at an advantage while these two teams that are beat up take an extended series against the other. With the two set to play Game 6, the Warriors will have the fresher legs when they meet.
Of course, Golden State would love to see the two go seven games to get even more rest in return. It just really leaves it up to which team the Warriors want. With the way Golden State is playing, it should be another breeze of a series. However, there are reasons to want one or the other.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Golden State Warriors have a double-digit win streak over the Clippers currently. They hold the mental edge in this series and it quite frankly isn’t even close. With Blake Griffin out, it has put even more pressure on the team and on Chris Paul.
A point guard that is pressing having to go up against Stephen Curry is likely going to frustrate him even more. Ideally, this would likely be the best option for Golden State, as it’s a familiar face they have plenty of history with.
Utah Jazz
Right now, it looks like this is going to be the series that happens. The Warriors and Jazz have met this year and the Jazz hold a win to their credit, thanks to Steve Kerr going with a rest lineup in the fourth quarter toward the end of the season.
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Still, while the Warriors would be the heavy favorites, they would likely face a tougher test from Utah. With the crowd in Salt Lake City being one of the best in all of professional basketball, they would have to work for their wins on the road.
Hindsight is that Golden State is talented enough to roll over both of these teams. However, they don’t play with that mindset and know that each game is more important than the last. The Jazz are the tougher matchup, but it doesn’t matter to Golden State at this stage.