Golden State Warriors: The Difference Between Now and 2007

May 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) celebrates at the end of the game against the Denver Nuggets, winning game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 92-88 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In 2007, the Warriors had made the playoffs for the first time in 15 years and made some noise. They beat the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round and went on to lose to the Utah Jazz 4-1. The Jazz made that series look easy, but right now, however, the Warriors are making the Spurs work for it.

Technically the Warriors could still lose the series 4-1, but it’s very unlikely considering the fact that they’re coming up on two home games at “Roaracle” Arena, a building in which the Warriors really prosper in. In the first round, they beat Denver 4-2 after losing no home games and winning one road game. In 2007, the Warriors didn’t get a second round road win, and that proved to be their downfall. Had they gotten that, it could have been an entirely different season for them.

Fortunately for the Warriors, they’re having some luck and rolling in the playoffs thanks to Stephen Curry and Mark Jackson, a coach-player combo that has really helped the Warriors out. In 2007, Don Nelson was getting old, and couldn’t find a way to contain the Jazz in the second round, but Jackson on the other hand, has continued to find ways to get Curry open for 3-point looks.

At this point six years ago, the Warriors had almost lost all their hype when they trailed the Jazz 2-0 in the series when coming home. Sure, they had a huge Game 3 win, but they were blown out the rest of the games. This year may be a different case. Oracle Arena is just as loud, no question, but the Warriors are going to have to work a lot harder for a win, as the Spurs have made the playoffs so many times before and have players that are experienced and do well in handling loud crowds.

In 2007, the Warriors had some experience, with Don Nelson looking like one of the best coaches of all-time, Baron Davis playing the role of the star and other veteran players bringing their experience to the table. This time, however, 60 percent of the guys on the Warriors’ starting lineup haven’t been in the playoffs and are playing at a great level. Don’t get me wrong, for them, that’s fantastic, but it’s a bit worrisome because at any given moment the pressure and fatigue could get to them, and they could have a collapse.

This is what happened to the 2007 Warriors, even though they were experienced. Jackson may be making some good adjustments, but is it good enough to handle the Spurs?