NBA Power Rankings: Who are the biggest threats to the Warriors?

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 21, 2018 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
29 of 31
Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have begun to look more and more like a legitimate threat come playoff time in the Western Conference playoffs, and it’s come on the shoulders of their emerging “Big Three.”

More from Blue Man Hoop

Paul George has been MVP-caliber, Russell Westbrook has been historic in filling up the stat sheet, and Steven Adams has emerged as a third star in the making, disrupting opposing centers in the middle.

On the heels of a disappointing playoff performance last season, it seems like OKC has finally found the right chemistry and game-winning formula.

PG is the clear-cut number one scoring option, and he’s been on ta ear the past 10 games, topping over 30 pts in nearly every contest. And though Westbrook has taken a “backseat” due to declining shooting efficiency, he’s more than made up for it with rebounds and assists as a triple-double threat.

Adams is the x-factor, averaging career highs in points and rebounds this season. Especially in the West, having a center is a huge advantage in a team’s quest to take down the heavy favorites in the defending champs.

OKC currently stands in third place with just a game behind the Nuggets, but there’s a great chance they could snag the second seed and be the team to face the Warriors in the Conference Finals.