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Golden State Warriors: 5 reasons they won’t make the NBA Finals

By Brad Rowland

December 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr instructs in a team huddle during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr instructs in a team huddle during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball under pressure from San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Antonio Spurs exist.

This one is self-explanatory.

The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as champions of the Western Conference in two consecutive seasons, and they are easily the biggest threat to Golden State. That likely feels strange to consider given that the Spurs are the sixth seed in the playoffs, but prior to a season-ending loss to the Pelicans, San Antonio had claimed 11 consecutive victories while effectively functioning as the gauntlet we saw during the 2014 playoffs.

Golden State will almost assuredly be seen as the betting favorite should the two teams face off in the playoffs, but the Spurs are the immovable force of the NBA. Gregg Popovich is the best head coach in the world, Tim Duncan is ageless, Kawhi Leonard provides an X-factor (especially in guarding Stephen Curry), and the Spurs seem to take things to another level in the playoffs.

Projecting two rounds away isn’t the easiest thing to do, but Warriors fans undoubtedly fear San Antonio in a way that they don’t view any other Western Conference opponent.

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