Should we pump the brakes on the Golden State Warriors?
By Tony Pesta
The Golden State Warriors are off to a white-hot start to the 2022 NBA Playoffs but should we pump their brakes on their championship aspirations? That is to say, will the rest of the postseason be as easy as the first round for them?
The obvious answer is no. No one will argue that the playoffs will get easier from here but there is also no reason to assume the Warriors won’t continue their dominance.
Or is there?
The Golden State Warriors are rolling in the NBA Playoffs but will their momentum be slowed down once they face a tougher opponent?
While the Denver Nuggets may have the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, the rest of their roster is lacking. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. on the sideline, Denver isn’t exactly a top-tier opponent.
Most of all, they are probably one of the least equipped teams for stopping the Dubs’ new death lineup. There is nowhere to hide lumbering players like Aaron Gordan and Jokic while perimeter players like Monte Morris and Will Barton just won’t cut it against the likes of the Splash Brothers.
In contrast, other teams across the league will have a better chance. Phoneix has wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder to compliment a sound backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Not to mention, a nimble seven-footer in Deandre Ayton.
Memphis poses a challenge, as well. Dillon Brooks is capable of covering for the not-so-defensive oriented Ja Morant. Desmond Bane is a muscular wing stopper while Brandon Clarke, Tyus Jones, Steven Adams and Jarren Jackson Jr. help round out a strong defensive unit.
The East is even more difficult. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are as ready to tackle an elite backcourt as anybody. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton give them everything they need to match up with Golden State.
Does this mean the Warriors will be stopped in their tracks? With how good they have been playing, probably not. Still, the playoffs are only going to get more difficult from here.