Golden State Warriors: 5 Toughest playoff opponents of the decade

By Tony Pesta | Oct 10, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up the court against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2013 NBA Playoffs on May 16, 2013 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. 2014 Western Conference First Round – Los Angeles Clippers

Series results: Clippers win 4-3

The first and only playoff series between these two rival teams was a classic. Bad blood between the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors was already being created before their meeting in the 2013-14 NBA playoffs. As a result, this seven-game series turned into an all-out war.

The Clippers, led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were thirsty to make noise in the playoffs. This team had been stacked with talent for a few seasons but had not been very successful. Because of this, Griffin and Paul were performing with high urgency as they could sense their window closing.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and the Warriors were fresh off their first playoff series win last season and were ready to take the next step. Both of these teams had clear goals and the only thing standing in their way was each other.

The most notable players of this series were Curry and Griffin. For the series, Griffin averaged 23.3 points and 6.1 rebounds. As for Curry, he put up an average of 23.0 points per game and dropped a game-high 33 points in the deciding Game 7.

In the end, the Clippers came out of the series with the win. A late-game clutch and-one from Griffin was ultimately the dagger in the final matchup. The Warriors lost Game 7 by just five points and were sent home early.

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