The Western Conference Finals will kick off when the Thunder visit the Warriors on Monday. It will be a star-studded battle that has the potential to become an instant classic.
The Warriors will not be facing the opponent most expected would challenge them for dominance in the West. The Spurs were right behind them all year long in the standings and had a shot at 70 wins before losing a few games late in the season. They also were one of the nine teams that beat Golden State in the regular season. The two juggernauts seemed destined to meet in the conference finals, but the Thunder had other plans.
Oklahoma City prevailed against the Spurs in the semifinals in six games, making good on the huge potential they displayed in the regular season. The Thunder might not have put up historic numbers on either end but had arguably two top-five players in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and more depth than they've had in years. Enes Kanter and Dion Waiters provided quality minutes off the bench and the struggles to close out games disappeared. If the Thunder continue to play at that level, they could give the Warriors some trouble.
Golden State won all three regular season matchups but two of those games were close, including an overtime win by the Warriors on a Stephen Curry 38-footer. The Thunder have the length, size and athleticism to match any lineup Steve Kerr decides to trot out as well as two elite talents who can take over at any time. It could truly be a challenging series for the defending champions.
For that to happen, Curry will have to be kept in check, which is obviously easier said than done. The two-time MVP returned from injury for the two final games against the Trail Blazers and posted amazing numbers. If he continues to play at that level, there's simply no opponent that can beat Golden State. If the Thunder can do what no one else has been able to and contains him, they will have a chance to pull off the upset.
How to watch Warriors vs. Thunder Game 1
Place: Oracle Arena
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Streaming: Watch TNT
Thunder vs. Warriors 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NBA Playoffs online
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