The Warriors’ top threat is no longer the Cavaliers
After defeating LeBron and company in an embarrassing blowout, one thing is clear for the Warriors: the Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer their top threat.
So for the last time, if the Cleveland Cavaliers were fully healthy they would certainly have defeated the Golden State Warriors in the Finals right? Nope, not at all.
Golden State has proven such a statement false on two different occasions with two victories that represent opposite ends of the spectrum. First on Christmas Day, when the highly anticipated Finals rematch between the Cavaliers and Warriors resulted in a hard-fought, 89-83 win for Golden State at Oracle Arena. This win only cemented what doubters refuse to acknowledge: that the Warriors can tough it out and find ways to win in a physical game.
Then came last night, where Stephen Curry and the defending champs absolutely humiliated the Cavaliers, 132-98 at Quicken Loans Arena. From the tip-off to the final buzzer, you would not have thought that both these teams had made it to the Finals last year. Whereas Golden State demonstrated premier ball movement and lockdown defense, Cleveland played like a team with no heart, displaying awful defense and putting on a careless performance. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson both contributed double-digit scoring outputs, and Curry’s 35 points outscored the Cavaliers’ Big Three of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love combined.
It’s this simple: the Warriors have found the formula to beating the Cavaliers. After a series sweep at the hands of the defending champs there is already talk of LeBron and the Cavs becoming irrelevant in this year’s title chase. If last night’s performance is any indication, then the fact of the matter is that the Golden State Warriors must look to the Western Conference for their most dangerous threat, because the Cleveland Cavaliers have forfeited that label.
If there is a team to be on the lookout for, it’ll be either the San Antonio Spurs or perhaps the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are currently second and third place in the Western Conference standings respectively and will most likely hold onto those spots once the postseason nears. The Spurs’ continuity has made them a legitimate title contender for over a decade. Their own Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili has served as their foundation. With future superstar Kawhi Leonard and adding LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio has only become more dangerous.
Even with the Warriors’ historic start, the Spurs remain just two games behind in the standings. Their record is a testament to their ability to play strong at home and also on the road. Keep in mind that Greg Popovich has been resting his players, especially his star players, for many seasons. Make no mistake, there is a high probability that if Golden State faces San Antonio, perhaps in the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs will be at full health. And unlike the Cavaliers, the Spurs have strong chemistry that’s been built for years, and their sense of ball-movement can rival the Golden State Warriors.
Aside from the Spurs, the duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook always pose a threat, even for the defending champs. Last season the Oklahoma City Thunder just missed out on the eighth seed and a first-round matchup with the Golden State Warriors. Let’s not forget that Kevin Durant was plagued with injuries. This year, with both their stars at full health, the Thunder have managed to rise to the third seed and hold their place amongst the Western Conference elite. Over time, Durant and Westbrook have learned how to best compliment each other’s game. They can both produce huge scoring performances, but more importantly each player has proven capable of stepping up if the other is having an off-game.
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It seems age has caught up with King James, as for the Cavaliers, each member of their Big Three needs to put on a near-perfect performance to achieve success. LeBron can’t carry a team by himself, but for the Thunder it’s a different story. Durant and Westbrook, either together or separately, still have the capability to carry their team. Unlike the Cavaliers, the youth that the Thunder have made themselves a worthy opponent for Golden State.
A potential Finals rematch with the Cavaliers seemed to be the ultimate test for the defending champs, but now that might not be the case. The toughest challenge for the Warriors will likely await them in the Western Conference Finals. Whether that opponent be the Spurs or the Thunder, a matchup against either one of those two teams will surely prepare Golden State for the Eastern Conference Champion. And if that’s the Cleveland Cavaliers, with all due respect, they’re not that terrifying.