With the NBA’s western conference, any playoff series will be a nail bitter and if we could set the match ups ourselves, this one would be highly favored: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors, who owe much of their 2017 championship win to Kevin Durant, are 1 – 2 against the Thunder this regular season. Durant may have to face his old team in the playoffs since he didn’t get a chance to play them last season after the Thunder lost round one to the Houston Rockets. This was before the addition of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony forming the big three with NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook, George and Anthony are craving for their first ring and with Warriors injuries including star player Stephen Curry, the Thunder may be the team Warriors don’t want to see first round.
When Durant was asked about playing his former team in the playoffs, he said Oklahoma City is fun per SF Gate.
“It would be a fun series, especially with playing in Oklahoma City again, being in that atmosphere in the playoffs. It’s always fun.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the bad vibes between Thunder fans and Durant somewhat disappeared:
“This year, it changed. Last year, it felt strange every game. Like, ‘This is a weird vibe in here.’ Even in our place, there was this extra energy. And now that we’re a year removed from it, it seems like everybody is more settled, fans and players.”
If playoffs started today, the Thunder would be playing the San Antonio Spurs first round and the Minnesota Timberwolves would go against the Warriors which can be a dangerous match up if Jimmy Butler returns. However, one loss and/or win for any of the bottom teams (Spurs, Thunder, Jazz, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Nuggets, Clippers) can shift the whole playoff structure.
If the Thunder lose against the Warriors tonight, it would be an even 2-2 season matchup. What a great best of 7 series that would be.