The Golden State Warriors are looking better than many out there expected. The Denver Nuggets seemed unbeatable on paper, but now that the teams are playing, the Warriors are just one game away from advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Check out these predictions discussing why and how the Warriors can finish in the NBA Finals.
The Warriors present a problem for defenses because they bring best of both worlds to every game. Led by Stephen Curry, the Warriors can obviously shoot anybody to death. When their jumpshot is on, nobody can stop them, just as the Nuggets. However, many look at this as their weakness, they rely on the jumper too much to make a serious run at the NBA Finals, some would say. The Warriors can also run the floor as they are young and fast. Curry can begin hitting shots from the outside and suddenly, a guy like Jarret Jack has a defender pressing and he blows by them.
What the Warriors have taught many is that they can run and they can also stop and shoot. The Nuggets are learning this first hand as they have begun answering offense with offense and taking advantage of Warrior cold streaks. The Nuggets made timely shots to stay alive in the first round of the playoffs.
If the Warriors get past the Nuggets, they see the San Antonio Spurs next. The Spurs are a completely different team because they don't depend on fast paced basketball to get them points. The Spurs do have a great defense, which can make it hard for the Warriors. However, since the Warriors are balanced, they could provide a huge surprise if they drive to the paint and make the old Spurs run around a bit.
In the Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder have yet to prove they can truly be dominant without Russell Westbrook. If the Thunder can't escape the first round, then the Western Conference is truly open. The Warriors' speed and shot making ability could take them a long way.
Funny thing is that a year ago, when the Warriors were trading away stars, their fans were booing. Now, if the ball bounces their way, the Warriors find themselves making a legit NBA Finals run.
