Golden State Warriors: Ranking 5 biggest challengers in West

By Tony Pesta | Sep 15, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 15: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 15, 2021 in San Francisco, 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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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns will test the Golden State Warriors

Fresh off a surprising trip to the NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns should not be settling for less. This franchise is not ready to go back to watching from the outside — they want to compete for a title again.

Yet, their path to the finals will not be so clear this time around. The Suns benefited greatly from injuries last season and they will have to prove their finals run was not a fluke.

Some major questions heading into the season include Chris Paul’s longevity and consistency from the supporting cast. Is the 36-year-old point guard still going to play elite two-way ball? Can guys like Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges continue to be so impactful — or be even better?

Most of all, what is next for Devin Booker? At only 24 years of age, Booker has hardly scratched the surface of his prime. He has become one of the best scorers in basketball and his growth as a playmaker was a major reason the Suns exceeded expectations.

The Suns got a taste of success last year and the Golden State Warriors won’t be able to simply breeze past them. This young team is hungry — Stephen Curry and the Dubs have the task of denying them from reaching their goals.

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