Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: What Western Conference Teams Could Beat The Golden State Warriors?

By Drew Clark

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) greets forward Draymond Green (23) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) greets forward Draymond Green (23) before the start of the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
November 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) controls the basketball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Los Angeles Clippers

Are you surprised? Did you expect anything else?

This could go one of two ways. You see the Clippers as a legit threat to the Golden State Warriors. The other option is you laughing and bringing up the past playoff experiences of the Clippers.

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Last season could be an outlier due to how Blake Griffin’s health played out so this year the aura around the Clippers organization is a refreshing one. Although they have this mindset, the suits in front office have to be slightly concerned as both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have player options. J.J. Redick also has an expiring contract. With this in mind people believe if Los Angeles struggles that either Griffin or Paul could be moved in a trade.

BUT! They are number one here for a reason.

Blake Griffin finished 3rd in MVP voting two seasons ago and was off to a nice start last year. Chris Paul is still a top five point guard and DeAndre Jordan can still dunk a ball. Plenty of optimism throughout the Staples Center.

The Clippers proved they could compete with the Warriors last season, but adding Kevin Durant presents a new challenge. Blake Griffin will likely draw the straw to guard him as they don’t have a small forward on the roster capable of doing so. Redick’s defensive responsibility will be extremely interesting.

They can pile up points on the scoreboard, rebound, and play at their own pace. Their pace may be in the Warriors favor, but at least they are comfortable speeding it up.

Next: NBA Western Conference Roundtable: Favs, Trades And Takes

All pointing towards an entertaining series if the two teams wind up facing each other in the playoffs (hopefully in the WCF). Paul and Griffin are the x-factors as both must stay healthy to be competitive. We should be in for an exciting one if they do.

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