Golden State Warriors: Ranking the top five Western Conference postseason threats

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) /

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Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz have everything it takes to down the Golden State Warriors. They have the big, rim-protecting center in Rudy Gobert. They have the playmaker in Donavon Mitchell. They have shooting in Ricky Rubio and Joe Ingles. They even have a consistent bench.

What they don’t have the level of talent that Golden State boasts.

After a phenomenal breakout season in 2018, the Jazz were looking to build off that during the 2018-2019 season. They have not done that. After a rough start to the season, they entered the All-Star break sixth in the Western Conference.

They’re solidifying their spot in the playoffs which, in the West, is all you need to do. With Mitchell averaging a career-high 22.4 points per game, the Jazz continue to look like they’re his team and they’ll go as far as he takes them.

That’s one problem with a few of these teams in the West. On the offensive side of the ball, they have just one go-to playmaker. Joe Ingles and Ricky Rubio must elevate their game to the next level, an All-Star level, for the Jazz to have any shot against Golden State if they even see them.

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