Comparing the Golden State Warriors to the Atlantic Division
By John Kim
Dec 7, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams (8) drives around Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Warriors won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets
@ Brooklyn on January 8th
@ Golden State on February 22nd
Brooklyn has an extremely small window to win a championship. Though they have a roster stocked with future Hall of Famers, the Nets will find their hands full when they face the Warriors.
The Nets are old – there are no if, and, or buts about it. Unfortunately, the Warriors have a way about them that opponents cannot help but play into their hand.
Golden State has an extremely potent offense. With otherworldly shooters and freakishly athletic slashers, the Warriors will run circles around the tired legs of Pierce, Garnett and Joe Johnson.
Granted, the Nets have incredibly high basketball IQ and the ability to play a team-oriented defense, but they do not have players that can body up or close out on Curry and Thompson. Last season, Brooklyn allowed opposing teams to shoot .366 from three point range – 21st in the league. Unless Garnett and Andre Kirilenko find an elixir of youth, there is no reason to believe that percentage will improve next season.
Despite being the best team in the Atlantic Division, the Nets will not be able to take a win off of the Warriors.
2-0 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors will go 9-1 against opponents from the Atlantic Division this season. Despite the improvements made by New York and Brooklyn, the Warriors will be too much for either team to handle. The Knicks will take the win in New York, but other than that, the Atlantic Division looks to fall victim to the rising and improving Golden State Warriors.