The Golden State Warriors have more competition than ever, but the Oklahoma City Thunder will be their toughest potential opponent.
Throughout the years, we have seen a few different teams challenge the Golden State Warriors. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets are two of their most common foes. However, this year’s Oklahoma City Thunder will likely be the toughest team the Warriors have ever faced.
The Thunder are as stacked as ever. With the former MVP and triple-double2 maniac, Russell Westbrook, this team is looking for revenge. Russ still has every reason to be angry that Kevin Durant left in free agency and it should be more than enough to fuel the fire for him in a potential playoff series.
Westrbook is once again averaging a triple-double this season, putting up 23.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game. He has done a great job at getting his teammates involved and learning how to take a backseat during crucial moments. Only on rare occasions does he revert to his bad habits of old.
The main reason the Warriors will have to worry about the Thunder is the rise of Paul George. PG is having the best season of his career and is legitimately contending for both the Most Valuable Player Award and the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
George is averaging 28.4 points and 8.1 rebounds a game as he has helped lead the Thunder to a 40-26 record. This makes them the fourth best team in the Western Conference.
Rounding out the lineup for OKC is Steven Adams, one of the most underrated big men in the league, and Dennis Schroder, an efficient bench scorer.
The Warriors will certainly have their hands full attempting to stop the two-man punch of Westbrook and George. Still, the Dubs should have the upper hand in terms of talent and experience. The Thunder would be a tough opponent but expect the Warriors to emerge victorious.