NBA Power Rankings: Who are the biggest threats to the Warriors?
By Tony Pesta
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/76a20e42614d14c2f12b960b79728292a54ce04f0f9f318f8f7854c32c0311b3.jpg)
2. Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks sit atop the Eastern Standings, boast a legitimate MVP contender in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and made a strategic deal at the trade deadline for stretch forward Nikola Mirotic.
Simply put, the Bucks have the makings of a team that could very well come out of the Eastern Conference for an NBA Finals series in June.
The Bucks’ greatest strength is their length, and in today’s league where players that play both ends of the floor are highly coveted, this makes Milwaukee so dangerous not in the East but within the league as a whole. They’ve played the defending champs tough in recent years, but this season they have surely taken it to another level.
Part of the reason is the evolution of the Greek Freak, who is a worthy matchup against the likes of Kevin Durant, and can defend well against Stephen Curry. In addition, the front office has made impressive signings/acquisitions like Brook Lopez and the aforementioned Mirotic at the deadline.
The final piece of the puzzle was Mike Budenholzer’s reign at the helm, as it looks like he’s cracked the code of finding this team’s true potential. Halfway through the season, that potential looks like an NBA Finals appearance.