Golden State Warriors: Championship Or Bust As Playoffs Open

The Golden State Warriors once again claimed the top seed in the Western Conference and are poised to win the NBA Championship. A healthy lineup is ready for the quest with a first-round matchup against the Portland Trailblazers set for Sunday.

Golden State Warriors’ prized offseason acquisition, Kevin Durant, put a scare through the entire organization when he suffered an injury against Washington. A sigh of relief followed though, when Durant’s injury was revealed to be not serious and that he would miss only a few weeks.

And in preparation for the playoffs, Durant returned to the lineup for the final regular-season games to shake off the rust.

For a team loaded with talent and playing at such a high level, the word adversity seemed to not exist within the Warriors’ vocabulary. That changed a bit though, as the team had a much different look without Durant on the court. A once sizable lead in the West overtaken briefly by the San Antonio Spurs, a likely Western Conference Final opponent. The Splash Bros. could not get going after Durant’s injury as the Warriors lost five of seven.

But the adversity they struggled through, became a blessing in disguise as the team jelled together and then played best basketball of the season. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson found their mojo and ignited a 14-game win streak in mid-March.

Throughout the season though, Durant and the Splash Brothers never seemed to find their chemistry together as efforts came primarily from one or a combination of two superstars to carry the load.

After winning 14 of the last 15 games of the season, the Warriors are the hottest team in the NBA. Steve Kerr can only hope the momentum carries the team all the way to Golden State’s second championship in three years.

Bay Area native Damian Lillard, Portland’s superstar, is hoping to crash the party and end any hopes of Golden State advancing. Last season, Lillard saw his team’s season end in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Warriors. Already, Lillard has predicted the Blazers in six in and effort to fire up Rip City.

Portland could have knocked Golden State out of the playoffs last season had Curry not caught fire at the right time. Though, the outlook appeared bleak when he injured his knee in the first round against Houston. Curry struggled to find his form, hurting the team offensively. But game four in Portland went to overtime, and something snapped. Curry could not be contained as he dropped an NBA record 17 points in overtime to lift the Warriors to victory.

Curry struggled to find his form, hurting the team offensively. But game four in Portland went to overtime, and something changed.  After that, Curry could not be contained as he dropped an NBA record 17 points in overtime to lift the Warriors to victory.

Curry’s incredible effort drained Portland as Golden State would then go on to take the series in five games.

Plenty of fireworks will be on hand as Curry (25.3 points per game), and Lillard (27 points per game) highlight the point guard battle. Lillard will have plenty of support in the stands both home and away, being an Oakland native. Though both will likely lead their respective teams in points, the one who plays better defense will be the bigger primary factor to their team’s success.

Like Thompson has cor Curry, shooting guard C.J. McCollum has provided secondary scoring behind Lillard during the Blazers’ push to the playoffs. Thompson has the height advantage over both McCollum and Lillard, and his production will have to come on both ends of the court. Should Curry struggle, expect Thompson to step up without missing a beat.

There is one significant disadvantage for Portland though, as the Blazers do not have the players to match what Durant brings to the court. Portland not only has to deal with three superstars, but the physicality of Draymond Green and the sixth-man prowess of Andre Iguodala. Golden State’s bench has better depth compared to Portland’s.

For Warriors’ management, a lot is riding high on the team winning a championship. Many want to see the Warriors fall short again — something that would be talked about endlessly throughout the offseason.

Individuals who want to see the Warriors fail — like Charles Barkley — better think again. Last season’s bitter end is all the motivation needed to fuel the Warriors to another title, and the odds are in their favor. For now, the focus is on Portland, and Golden State cannot afford to look ahead.

Both teams have passionate fanbases and you better bet both Oracle Arena and Moda Center will be rocking. Time for the Warriors to get down to business and accomplish the goal set at the beginning of the season. With the firepower on the team, excuses will have no merit if they fall short of their goal.

Prediction: Warriors in five.