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Golden State Warriors: NBA Western Conference is wide-open

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center on May 13, 2022 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center on May 13, 2022 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Entering the 2022-23 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors have no singular threat to the throne.

Instead, they’ll have to brace for a potential gauntlet of capable teams.

The NBA Western Conference is wide-open as the Golden State Warriors will have to battle numerous teams in order to remain the favorites.

Who is at the top of the food chain? Well, the Dubs.

They stormed their way to the NBA Finals last season, losing only four games en route to a six-game battle with the Boston Celtics.

Golden State faced an interesting lineup of foes. The reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic, was only able to do so much damage on his own in round one.

Next season, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets could be more of a threat. With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. both healthy, a rematch might provide more of a challenge for Golden State.

In round two, the Dubs toppled Memphis in six games. Their hardest matchup of the West last year, Memphis seems like the type of team that is going to cause trouble for years to come.

Another leap from Ja Morant or sustained improvement from names like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson could make the future very difficult for the Warriors.

The same goes for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. After decimating the No. 1 seeded Phoneix Suns (who pose a threat in their own right), Dallas ran out of gas in the WCF.

Still, Doncic isn’t going anywhere and the Warriors will likely see him again.

The list doesn’t end here.

Will the Los Angeles Lakers finally give LeBron James enough support to make another title run? Will the return of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George push the LA Clippers into the promised land?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have loaded up their frontcourt with the addition of Rudy Gobert. Can Anthony Edwards take them the rest of the way?

Meanwhile, Zion Williamson has the potential to make New Orleans a darkhorse contender.

All of this to say, the Warriors will have some work to do next season as there is no clear favorite and numerous teams have a chance to take the throne.

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