NBA Opening Night: Suns, Warriors look to ignite rivalry; key matchup and prediction

A Golden State Warriors primer

The Golden State Warriors will again begin the difficult journey of trying to get back on top of the mountain. The top has been a familiar place for this team over the years as they have won four of the last 10 NBA titles. The talented trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are back as they will attempt to add to their legacy as they will try to win a 5th ring.

This time around the Warriors went and teamed up with a familiar foe as they acquired Chris Paul hoping that he could bring that same energy and the same hunger he displayed with his former teams. This will definitely be a better, deeper lineup than the one they had last season.

Paul and newcomer Dario Saric should be huge factors and Johnathon Kuminga and Moses Moody should also be ready to contribute after two years of experience in Steve Kerr’s system. With the addition of Paul, Curry and Thompson should be able to work more efficiently off the ball. It’s only right that Paul faces his former team on opening night so expect for him to come out and make a statement.

Also, Green should be able to facilitate and find passing angles to get his guys open. Let’s not forget about Andrew Wiggins. His production is often overlooked but his production is vital to the Warriors’ success. He is a good spot-up shooter, a decent lob threat, and also defends well. Wiggins is also capable of creating his own shot if opponents prioritize limiting Curry and Thompson. There are concerns about the Warriors’ lack of size but they more than make up for it with their effort and intensity.

Teams may have more problems guarding the small ball lineup the Warriors are famous for despite them being undersized. The Warriors have a lot of options and don’t necessarily have to go out and sign a center. Signing a center adds no value unless he can space the floor which is why the Warriors passed on signing Dwight Howard. With the amount of shooters they have and with Paul facilitating, Curry and Thompson will be able to play off the ball and will be able to conserve energy down the stretch when the team needs them the most.

The Warriors will get the first real look at this vaunted Suns team and even though it’s crazy to fathom, the first game of the season could very well have playoff implications. It’s true that every game counts and this one is no different. The matchups in this one will be intriguing as we shall see how the Warriors’ Big 3 matchup against the Big 3 of the Suns.