Fansided

Top-10 reasons Golden State Warriors won’t repeat as NBA champions

By Robert Judin

October 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 111-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 111-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Kevin Durant (35) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) and forward Kevin Durant (35) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are finally healthy. That statement alone is amazing because it seemed like we’d never see a healthy Kevin Durant playing side-by-side with Russell Westbrook again.

And with Durant’s impending free agency after this year, this may be our last chance to see the duo make magic together.

Durant missed 55 games last year while Westbrook missed 15 games. Even Serge Ibaka missed 18 games.

It’s a new era, though. Scott Brooks and the days of Westbrook and Durant playing “Hero Ball” appear to be gone. Billy Donovan is the man in charge now, and many believe the former Florida Gators coach will help take the Thunder to the next level by adding a fresh perspective.

Donovan will surely find a way to get Durant into the best possible positions to score the rock. That shouldn’t be hard to do anyway because putting the ball through the nylon is what Durant is best at.

Westbrook made his own case for the MVP last year by averaging 28 points per game and keeping the Thunder alive for a playoff push. Of course, Oklahoma City didn’t make the playoffs, but it shouldn’t haven been that close. that 45-37 record could have easily been flipped had it not been for Westbrook.

Draymond Green may be able to guard Durant and slow him down, but one does not just “slow down” Westbrook. It’s not just easier said than done, it’s damn near impossible. OKC literally has two candidates for the MVP, and that could end up putting the Thunder ahead of the Warriors.

Next: 2. Cleveland Cavaliers

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