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The GSW-OKC first-round matchup is what the fans want but probably not the players

By Nathan Beighle

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) /
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The Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder first-round matchup seems likely to happen. For both teams, this isn’t an ideal start to the postseason.

For the Golden State Warriors, there’s no real reason to worry. However, a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder to kick off the postseason may not be a cakewalk like the Warriors have gotten used to in the first round.

Since the addition of Kevin Durant, the Warriors have lost one game in the first round, and since the start of their four consecutive Finals appearances, they’ve lost just two games in the first round.

They certainly haven’t faced a team with the firepower and athleticism that the Oklahoma City Thunder have. That’s what gives the Oklahoma City Thunder a different feel than the Kawhi-less Spurs they faced last season or the Lillard-led Blazers they faced the season prior.

Over the last several years, outside of maybe Anthony Davis back in 2015, the 2018-2019 version of Paul George will be the best player the Warriors have seen in the first round since the start of their dynasty.

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That said, combine George with former MVP and triple-double machine Russell Westbrook and Golden State might finally have a fun first-round matchup. It’d only be fun for the fans though. For the players, not so much.

The Oklahoma City Thunder certainly won’t want to see the back-to-back champs in their first postseason series. They’d much prefer to see a Denver Nuggets team that’s far less lethal offensively.

For OKC, their best chance to get further into the postseason will be to play Denver, not Golden State. For Golden State, the easier route for them involves taking on the San Antonio Spurs first, not the OKC Thunder.

What makes OKC such a threat?

Well, yes, their combination of two superstars helps, but this team is laced with stars and solid role players. They’re one of just two teams that rank in the top ten in both defensive efficiency and points per game.

Backed by two MVP candidates, a legit center in Steven Adams, and a solid third scoring option in Dennis Schroder, this team does have the capabilities to give Golden State a run for their money. Now, if they could beat them in a seven-game series is a completely different story.

No team in the NBA has proven to be able to down Golden State in a seven-game series. OKC is no different.

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That said, it’d be wise for both teams to shy away from playing each other in the first round. It’s the matchup fans want, not players.

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