Golden State Warriors finished the 2024-24 NBA regular season as 10th seed team in Western Conference with a 46-36 record. After their final league stage win against Utah Jazz, the Dubs secured their place in the play-in tournament. Next, the team will face the Sacramento Kings to stay alive in the playoff race. Given Golden State managed to come out of the play-in tournament just fine and secure the 7th seed in the West, let’s explore their potential matchups for the upcoming three rounds of playoffs.
Western Conference Playoff Round 1 Opponents: OKC Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder have been the team to beat this NBA season. Riding on a five-game winning streak, they finished as the top seed in the Western Conference table. However, despite the momentum, facing the Golden State Warriors could put OKC in a spot. The Dubs are accustomed to postseason success and have the experience and talent to put any opposition under pressure on a given day. OKC has not been that consistent in the playoffs, which makes the postseason an unknown territory for them. Therefore, if the Dubs happen to meet OKC Thunder in the first round of West playoffs, the former will count themselves as favorites. Notably, Golden State won 4-3 the last time the two sides met in the postseason in 2016.
Western Conference Playoff Round 2 Opponents: Dallas Mavericks
In the second round, the competition intensifies as the Golden State Warriors could face off against a higher-seeded opponent, possibly the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs have been in stellar form this season, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving firing up on offense. If the Dubs do end up against the Mavericks in round 2 of the playoffs, it would be an epic clash of two teams riding on impeccable offense. Moreover, unlike the OKC Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks are constant visitors in the postseason, thus making the matchup more fierce and competitive for the seven-time NBA champions.
Western Conference Finals Opponents: Denver Nuggets
The Western Conference Finals present the toughest challenge yet for the Golden State Warriors as they vie for a spot in the NBA Finals. Denver Nuggets are likely to be the favorite candidate for the conference finals. Interestingly, the Nuggets swept the Dubs in all four games held this season. Moreover, the defending champions are riding high on a 57-25 win-loss record. Therefore, the Denver Nuggets will step into the conference finals with enough confidence, thus setting up an epic clash with seasoned ring winners, the Golden State.
That being said, for these potential scenarios to come true, the Golden State Warriors will have to first cross the play-in huddle. The Dubs have struggled with their defense all season long and have been largely inconsistent with the offense as well. Regardless, with their blend of talent, experience, and resilience, the Warriors are primed for postseason success and have the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs. While the road to another championship title is tough, the Dubs are seasoned postseason campaigners, versed with the playoff pressure and expectations.
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