Golden State Warriors Playoff Primer: Can Anyone Stop Them?

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 5
Mar 10, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

X Factor

Believe it or not, the two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry is this team’s X-factor. Draymond Green will continue to be his versatile self, Klay Thompson will provide his long range shooting and underrated defense as always. Kevin Durant, although new to the team, never gets overwhelmed by big moments.

In the 2012 postseason, on the biggest stage, Durant averaged over 30 points per game on better than 50 percent shooting from the field in the NBA Finals. He never shies away from big moments. The same can’t be said for Curry.

In their first championship run more was expected from him. Many gave Matthew Dellavedova the highest praise for containing Curry. By the way Curry did average 26 points a game but more was expected. During last year’s NBA Finals, he was far from his spectacular self, although some of it may have been due to injury he still failed to elevate his game and that has been the criticism of Curry.

He’s the greatest shooter of all-time is what many say. He’s also the first ever unanimous MVP in NBA history. He has played well in the postseason but with the credentials he poses much more is expected from him. If he plays up to his own lofty standards than this team will be nearly impossible to beat.