Golden State Warriors Mailbag: Game-Winners, Western Conference, Kuzmic

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Nov 11, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9, left) and forward Tim Duncan (21, right) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 113-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

@MaggiePilloton Who is Warriors' biggest competition for the number one seed in the West?
— Marc Grandi (@MarcGrandi) January 4, 2015

I think there are a lot of candidates, in terms of the Warriors’ biggest competition for the top seed in the Western Conference.

The first one I’d mention would be the San Antonio Spurs, because the Spurs always find a way to snag the top seed in the West or at least compete for one of the top spots. No matter what the ages of their stars are, no matter what injuries they’ve had to overcome, and no matter what adversity they’ve faced, the Spurs find a way to win, in the regular season and especially in the postseason. The Spurs will always be a contender for the top spot in the West.

In terms of the team who is the toughest competition for the Warriors, specifically (not just in the Western Conference, in general), I’d say the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies always pose as a significant threat to the Warriors because of their contrasting styles. The Grizzlies play physically, they play with a slow pace, and they excel through their frontcourt. The Warriors play up-tempo, they can go small, and they excel through their backcourt.

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If the Grizzlies dictate the style of play during a game, the Warriors can struggle against the Grizzlies. Therefore, Memphis is definitely a legitimate threat for the top spot in the West.

Another team that I would say could challenge the Warriors for the top seed is the Dallas Mavericks. Their trade for Rajon Rondo gives them a legitimate point guard who can distribute, run an offense, and bring out the best in Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis. However, both Rondo and Ellis need the ball in their hands a lot, in order to play at their best, so we’ll see how their team chemistry is the rest of the season. I think the Mavs would be right under the Spurs and Grizzlies, but they’re still a legitimate threat.

The Portland Trail Blazers are also incredibly talented and have so many weapons at their disposal, which makes them another serious threat for the number one seed in the West. I think the Blazers are as legitimate of a threat, or more, than the Mavs.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets are also tough teams in the West, but they’ll finish the season lower in the standings than the previously mentioned teams. I believe both of those teams are somewhat overrated. The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans will fight for the eighth spot in the West.

The Western Conference is so tough and so competitive, and it’s very likely that the standings in the Western Conference will not be decided until the final game of the season.

Next: Kuzmic's Future with the Warriors

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