The Golden State Warriors have the best record in the NBA, yet many question if they have the makeup to advance through the uber-competitive Western Conference and win a title. Here are three reasons why the Warriors could lose in the first round of the playoffs despite their top seeding:
3) Their up-tempo style may not translate in the playoffs
Golden State's style of play is dependent on speed, rhythm, and ball movement, all things that are much easier to attain in the more free-slowing regular season. Once the playoffs come around, games are usually played at a much slower pace in the half-court, making it harder to play with the speed and fluidity they've been having so much success with all season.
2) They rely too much on jump shots
The Warriors have as much depth and versatility as anyone in the NBA, but they're still a perimeter focused team that beats their opponents with a barrage of three-pointers. They shoot them well, but they've lost some games to lesser competition this year when they go cold. Playing a slower game in the playoffs will mean less wide open shots, causing their sky-high shooting percentage to inevitably decrease.
1) Russell Westbrook
Golden State is pretty much locked into the top seed in the West, and Oklahoma City is essentially locked into the eight seed, creating a first round matchup between the two teams. The Thunder have been weakened by the loss of Kevin Durant for the season, but Russell Westbrook has gone on a tear, recording an incredible string of triple-doubles. He can singlehandedly take over and win a game for OKC, which could happen several times during the playoffs.
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