Experience
Edge: Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been here before. In fact, they have made it to the Western Conference Finals for the past three years. This year will make it trip number four. They have been to the NBA Finals those same past three years, winning it all two of those times. The pressure of the big stage will not faze this team as they are in their comfort zone playing for the biggest prize.
The Rockets on the other hand, during that same span, can only boast a lone trip to the Western Conference Finals which ended in a quick defeat to Golden State. Harden has been known to crumble under the pressure of the playoffs, Game 6 of last year’s semis against the Spurs, being the standout example.
Chris Paul, also known for never having made it past the second round of the playoffs doesn’t help their case here.