2015 NBA Playoffs: SCIC’s Big Basketball Postseason Preview

March 16, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors

 By Brandon Osborne

Record: 67-15

First Round Opponent: New Orleans Pelicans

Season Series: Warriors won 3-1

The Golden State Warriors have played like the NBA’s best team all season long, and finished 10 games up on the next closest team in the Western Conference. They’re practically unbeatable at home, only losing twice at Oracle Arena this season. The Warriors carry the NBA’s top defensive efficiency and the second most efficient offense. Golden State could end up with the NBA’s MVP (Stephen Curry), as well as the NBA’s defensive player of the year (Draymond Green). On top of that, Warriors coach Steve Kerr looks to be one of the NBA’s top coaches in only his first season with the club.

For the Golden State Warriors, it’s pretty simple. They are the favorites to win the NBA Championship. Getting through the Western Conference wont be easy, with so many title contenders, but Golden State has clearly been another level above every team in the NBA this season — and they know it.

Curry has been amazing this season, to the point that he may be the favorite to win the MVP award. However, regular season performances don’t win you championships. He’ll have to continue his dominance in the playoffs. He has improved his handling, vision and, most importantly, his defense this year. If he plays at the level he has all year, then it’s hard to imagine the warriors losing a seven-game series to anyone.

However, if there’s one team that could be the exception, it could be the San Antonio Spurs.

The Warriors went 1-2 against the Spurs this season who seem to be finding their playoff mojo at just the right time. If the Spurs find that extra gear they tend to save for the playoff run, it’s not out of the question to believe that they could take the Warriors to a seventh game.

It looks as though they shouldn’t see the Spurs until the Western Conference Finals, fortunately.

Next: Houston, does the West have a problem?