Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Ranking every Western Conference team

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on March 8, 2019 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 08: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on March 8, 2019 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

4. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets were last year’s Cinderella story. Back-to-back 3-1 comebacks had never been done before, and it might never happen again. Still, the Nuggets are on the verge of breaking through the Western Conference as true contenders.

Nikola Jokic has shunned any of his doubters by delivering two strong postseasons in a row. In the bubble, Jokic posted 24.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists on 52/43/84 shooting splits in the Nuggets run to the Conference Finals.

Jokic’s dominance didn’t stop Jamal Murray from emerging as a star. It’s yet to be seen if his unbelievable scoring run was a fluke, but if it wasn’t, the rest of the league is in trouble. Don’t forget, this team still has Michael Porter Jr. and Bol Bol developing at rapid rates. The Nuggets will be competitors for years to come.

3. Golden State Warriors

Come on now. Have we really forgotten how dominant Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors have been in the playoffs? There is no logical reason to pick any other team over them in a potential seven-game series this year.

We can’t overlook the loss of Klay Thompson. Nothing will replace the two-way production of one of the greatest backcourt teammates of all-time. However, the collection of Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kent Bazemore should do more than enough to keep the Dubs competitive.

Throw in a revitalized Draymond Green and a young, dominant center like James Wiseman and I don’t see how you can doubt the Warriors. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to see Curry rattle off another MVP season en route to a title run.

Home/Warriors News