Golden State Warriors: Ranking Best First Round Playoff Matchups

December 2, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr (left) talks to guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Magic 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the span of three years, the Golden State Warriors, under the guidance of Joe Lacob, Bob Myers, and Jerry West, have undergone a massive transformation. They’ve quickly transitioned from a perennially underachieving team to a Western Conference powerhouse. Former head coach Mark Jackson was the catalyst in changing the culture of the Warriors from a run-and-gun, offensively-oriented team to a defensive juggernaut.

In his first season at the helm after replacing Jackson, Steve Kerr has taken this squad to the next level and has them sitting atop the mighty Western Conference. Kerr has his Warriors as the unquestioned top team in basketball.

Now, as Golden State looks ahead to the playoffs, who presents them with their biggest challenge and who offers them the most advantageous matchup?

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