After a hard-fought series win over the Rockets in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Warriors made quick work of the Trail Blazers without superstar Kevin Durant en route to a fifth straight NBA Finals appearance behind outstanding play from the trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
This group seems destined to win another championship, regardless of whether Durant (or DeMarcus Cousins for that matter) returns, and it remains to be seen whether the Bucks or Raptors will be able to give Golden State a challenge in the finals.
So we’re asking you tonight whether you think Toronto or Milwaukee stands a realistic chance against the Warriors.
Which team matches up better with Golden State? Will the Warriors get another sweep regardless of who they face? Do they need Durant back in order to win it all?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
Only other time they haven’t had home court with this core the series went 7. Should be a challenge no matter who they play
Raptors Will Make Finals But The Bucks Can Beat The Warriors
The only way the Eastern conference winner would be a challenge as if they combined the Raptors and the Bucks.
That would be a team right there. The Milwaukee Raptors versus the Warriors might go five or six games.
As much as I would like to see drake the clown get shut up in the finals, the bucks are a better match up. Bucks could at least make it 6 games. Raptors might get swept.
GSW will win all the home games and most of the away games.
In 2017, GSW & CLE combined for one loss on their way to the finals and won 80% over the four years vs others. GSW won 65% vs CLE and 94% total in 2017.
This year GSW is at 75% while CLE has quickly pivoted to high draft picks.
Bucks would have a shot, especially if Durant didn’t play. Raptors will probably end up in the finals and get swept though.
Bucks… I can see this new Warriors squad getting taken out on a freaking dime-beat.
Of course Warriors have SC with a few diamond rings. Who wins when it’s SC… well it’s Kawhi or the champs
King Giannis. A tight subject. Trillions of right-minded people think that he not only will win an NBA championship but that he is just the best dude.
I dont know if the Raptors or Bucks stand a chance, but I do know that both of those teams will be a bigger challenge than the Blazers and Rockets
I think the Rockets were the biggest challenge. Number one you have James Harden who is virtually unguardable.
He has the combination which is extremely rare of being one of the best outside shooters in the league and also has the ability to go to the basket and score.
Usually guys have one or the other in excellence. They may be decent at the other one but James Harden is incredible in both facets. Also, he spots the open guy making him unguardable.
Then the Rockets defensive standouts like Tucker and capela add to the toughest matchup of the season I believe.
Just lost all credibility there GARY…
The Bucks record vs. the West shows they are no better than Portland or Denver. Not to mention – just watch them play. The West is still significantly better than the East. Doesn’t matter Warriors in 5-6 max. Sweep if they want it.
Not that I necessarily disagree, but the Raptors (22-8) and Bucks (20-10) both had much better records vs. Western teams than the Blazers (29-23) did.
I like your comment, sweep if they want it.
I believe that to be totally true, but it is so extremely hard to give a 110% every minute of every game.
The Warriors do it in the playoffs especially with Durant out, but it is still tough knowing you can come home and win or you can win tomorrow night if you lose tonight etc.
That’s what makes repeating so tough. You’ve seen the cost, you see what it takes, and it’s so tough to pay that price again another season after winning a ring.
If the bucks cant beat the raps how do y’all think they’re the better team. Defensively the raps can guard both the perimeter and the paint and are 2-0 already this year against them
Only comment in here that made sense. The Bucks are clearly having trouble with the Raptors so how would they be a better matchup for the Warriors? The Raptors are clearly a better matchup for when the Warriors go small which they will do. Unless you think Illyasova is a good match up for Draymond?
What could make sense is matchups and *IF* the bucks would get good/consistent contributions from more than just 1 or 2 guys.
I think back to ’01 when they lost to Philly in the EC final. I thought then they had a better chance to beat the Lakers than Iverson and co.
Why all the Raptors hate? They have a much better chance of competing with the Warriors.
All you have to look at is last night’s game to see it. Raps found an easy answer for shutting down Giannis, play him physical and be switch heavy on D. In fact, because Giannis can’t shoot from the perimeter, the Raps have shut him down for three games.
You can’t do the same with Leonard, play him physical driving to the lane, and he’ll burn you with jumpers. Close hard on him on the perimeter, and he’ll drive by you. 9 assists also shows that when double teamed, he finds the open man.
All the Raps need to beat the Bucks is have one other player show up ala Fred last night. Bucks can’t say the same. Giannis will have his time, but it won’t come until he at least becomes an average shooter around the perimeter.
I want Golden State to win, but Kawhi and San Antonio had a chance to beat them about 3 years ago until he was hurt during one of the games. With him, you never know.
Yes Kawhi Leonard’s pretty amazing. Got it done last night on the road.
Let’s see how it goes game 6 and or game 7.
Without Durant, I would expect GSW to lose to either Tor or Mil. With Durant, they’d likely win, but it will be tougher than any series they’ve had in the WC.
Lose?
Mmk bud
when the bucks we’re up 2-0 was thinking they could win a game or two. not any more