Golden State Warriors: 3 Biggest threats in Play-In Tournament

Golden State Warriors top threats: Portland Trail Blazers

If it all comes down to one game, I’m not sure there is anybody the Golden State Warriors would want to face less than Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lillard has built a reputation for himself as a big-time player. When the lights are shining brightest, Lillard delivers his best performances. He’s averaging 28.5 points on efficient shooting splits and arguably has his best supporting cast to date with CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, Robert Covington, Norman Powell and Jusuf Nurkic rounding out the core.

Even so, the Blazers have dropped four straight games and face the seventh toughest remaining schedule. This means they could easily drop in the standings — and, if history is worth anything, the Warriors shouldn’t be too worried.

Stephen Curry has historically dominated Dame and the Blazers.  He’s 3-0 all-time against them, including two sweeps. Albeit Curry had the help of a stronger team, he also outplayed Lillard individually in each series. Specifically in 2019, when Curry torched the Blazers for 36.5 points per game en route to the NBA Finals.

Regardless, the Blazers pose the greatest threat of anyone the Dubs may potentially face in the Play-In. The knockout punch that Lillard, or even McCollum, can deliver is one to be wary of. Yet, it pales in comparison to what Curry is capable of.