NBA: Five Playoff Matches That We Should Root For In 2016-17

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 6
October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 25, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors vs Spurs

Unfortunately, many of us still remember what happened the last time these two teams met in the regular season. That regular season matchup, which was highly anticipated at first, obviously turned into a snore-fest when the Warriors rested four starters and the Spurs lost two of their stars due to injury.

In the likely event that these two teams meet in the playoffs, we can expect this match-up to be anything but a snore-fest.

The Warriors’ high-powered offense can certainly expect to find itself in an epic showdown against Kawhi Leonard and the defensive-minded Spurs.

Although the season started with the Warriors as the clear favorites to finish first in the West, the Spurs have stayed in the race and now have a chance to steal home-court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.

Judging by the Spurs’ quite demeanor, it’s not always easy to see how bad they want to take down the Warriors. But it’s safe to say that these two teams have been eying each other all year and cannot wait to meet in the playoffs.

It’s also safe to say that the Warriors have become one of the most hated teams of all time in the past year. The addition of Durant has especially contributed to many NBA fans turning their backs on Golden State.

Meanwhile, the Spurs continue to be glorified by many fans and the media. All this is leading up to the ultimate good guys vs. bad guys playoff matchup.