Warriors vs. Clippers: NBA’s Next Rivalry?

March 11, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) collides with Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Well, it’s come to this. The Warriors are to face off with the Clippers tomorrow night, January 2nd. Although the Warriors may be on a roll, the Clippers are white hot. They’re just having fun out there, and playing seemingly effortlessly. The Warriors, no doubt, are going to have trouble beating the Clippers, but are also expected to end their winning streak.

When the Clippers and the Warriors play, you know that it’s going to be a good game. Down in LA, when the Warriors were without Andrew Bogut, they were able to break the Clippers’ hearts in a very close game. Stephen Curry drew a charge on Chris Paul in the final seconds to secure a win for the Warriors. After seeing the way the Warriors and Clippers interacted, I immediately was able to classify them as future rivals.

The South Cal, North Cal rivalry is perhaps easiest to understand, but when the Warriors battle the Clippers, the players are pumped, and the crowd is pumped. As two up and coming teams, the Clippers and the Warriors are battling for the spot that LA left – the next superpower. This is why these two teams will always hate eachother.

If you don’t believe me, this is a clear example that the Warriors will always come to compete against the Clippers, and rest assured, you’ll be getting your money’s worth by going to one of their games.

“Rivalries are born, they never die, rivalries live on. The names and the stories may change but the feelings stay the same.” Although the Warriors, Clippers rivalry is generally new, these two teams both have the potential to go head-to-head and battle it out possibly in the Western Conference Finals.

Position Analysis, Without Injury:

1. PG: Stephen Curry-Chris Paul: This matchup is perhaps one of the best. Paul and Curry are both ranked very high on the MVP ladder, and are both leading their teams to excellent seasons as well as records. Chris Paul was Stephen Curry’s mentor, but as cliche as it sounds, the mentor may become the master. Stephen Curry’s amazing PG skills as well as shooting ability helps his team in dire situations. Unfortunately for him, Chris Paul is as clutch as can be, as well as smart.

2. SG: Klay Thompson-Chauncey Billups: Klay Thompson, as young and explosive as he is, is no match for Mr. Big Shot. When these two go head-to-head, Chauncey will be able to take over the fourth quarter and dominate. The Clippers are so deep that it hurts other teams. Thompson, however, can outrun Billups, and shoot lights out in his face. This matchup is another interesting one.

3. SF: Harrison Barnes-Caron Butler: Butler is a former all-star, veteran, excellent shooter, and smart player. While that’s all great, Harrison Barnes already plays like a veteran, and is able to perform under extreme pressure. In some of the Warriors’ close games, it is him who takes a desperation shot and sees it splash through the net. Caron Butler’s inconsistency as well as injury problems hinder him from doing his very best. Harrison Barnes, although consistent, has no problem scoring on his defender 1v1.

4. PF: David Lee-Blake Griffin: This matchup is perhaps the heart and soul of the Warriors, Clippers new rivalry. Lee and Griffin are two of the premier PF’s in the league, and when they play, there are highlights both ways. Going head-to-head means that both players are on fire, maybe even getting into a couple of altercations. Blake Griffin and David Lee both do that. Lee’s experience helps the Warriors defend Blake Griffin.

5. C: Andrew Bogut-DeAndre Jordan: We haven’t yet to see this matchup, but it’s certainly a good one. Jordan is another high-flying shot blocker who loves the game. Bogut, on the other hand, is a tough, strong player who will battle hard, no doubt.