The Golden State Warriors have been the best team in the west for three straight seasons and they have been running through their opponents in this year's NBA playoffs. With The Warriors already having their spot in the Western Conference Finals, they are now waiting to see if they are going to face the San Antonio Spurs or the Houston Rockets. The Warriors shouldn't have to worry about their nightlife in the conference finals, as a trip to the NBA Finals is on the line. Which matchup will give the Warriors the most problems?
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are the definition of consistency in the NBA.
In the playoffs this year it seems as if age has caught up with them, as they have looked a little slow in some of their games. In game one against the Rockets, they were dominated in convincing fashion. They looked slow on both ends of the court, but they managed to get back into the series. The Warriors will have their hands full with Kawhi Leonard, as he is a two-way star. Leonard can guard Kevin Durant with no issues, causing the Warriors to find scoring elsewhere. The consistency of the Spurs bench will help when Kawhi needs a breather.
The Spurs can stop one scoring option, but they can't stop them all. Golden State is a fast-paced offense and the Spurs might not have the stamina to keep up with them in a seven-game series.
The Spurs can slow it down on their side of the court, but they can't afford to give up long rebounds or turnovers. The Spurs play pretty clean basketball, so if they can slow the game down they can give Golden State some problems. If the Warriors can push the pace, the Spurs will run out of gas.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are the closest thing to a mirror image of the Warriors.
They rely on the three ball heavily and they play an up-tempo style of offense. James Harden will be the biggest source of their points as he is a nightmare for opposing coaches. Harden's ability to get fouls and free throw opportunities can put the Warriors in early foul trouble, causing some of the key players to sit early and often.
This will also slow down the game and allow the Rockets time to set up their defense in order to stop the Warriors.
The Rockets are one of the few teams that can keep up with the Warriors high-scoring offense. The amount of threes both of these teams make is incredible and it will be a shootout from the tip-off. The Rockets are prepared for a shootout as they have an army of three-point marksman that can cause Golden State defensive problems. This series will live up to the old saying: "you live by the three, you die by the three." Whoever can stay hot from deep can win this series.
