Teams that could rival the Warriors this NBA season

The Warriors are off to another great start this season, punctuated by highlight performances by Durant, Curry, and Thompson who had a 52-point, 14-three, record-breaking output versus the Bulls. Right now, Golden State is sitting comfortably atop the Western Conference, with a league-leading 8-1 record, their only defeat coming at the hands of the Nuggets on a last-second block.

Image source: mercurynews.com

Even this early, many teams on both conferences have shown significant improvement. The list includes the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Philly 76ers, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Portland Trailblazers. Surprisingly playing sub-par are the deemed second-seeded Rockets, the new-look Lakers with LeBron, and Westbrook’s OKC.

Among these teams, we can still say that the Lakers are going to be a problem, even if LeBron and company are not faring so well lately. When they adjust, and if they make it to the playoffs, they should be a dangerous opponent for any team in the West. After all, LeBron-led teams have made it to the Finals in consecutive years. But if they are to match well with the Warriors, they’d need to drastically improve their defense.

Image source: nytimes.com

The Nuggets and the Trailblazers are solid contenders as well, especially with continuity and improved team play. Anthony Davis’ Pelicans are always dangerous, too. And if the Rockets get their swagger back, they could drag the Warriors into a shooting duel.

But the main threat is still Boston in the East, this year boasting of a complete lineup with Hayward and Irving healthy. While Leonard’s Raptors and Antetokounmpo’s Bucks are doing well to start the season, the sheer depth of the Celtics should still make them the Warriors’ top rival going into the postseason.

Hello, my name’s Scott Jay Abraham, an industrial interior designer based in San Francisco, California. During my free time, I love to take my dog Shadow on long walks as well as watch games of the Golden State Warriors. More on my hobbies and interests here.