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5 teams that can knock off the Golden State Warriors in 2017

By Charles Rahrig V

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) celebrate the 102-81 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) celebrate the 102-81 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

The greatest bet to knock the Golden State Warriors off their throne is the Oklahoma City Thunder. If it weren’t for the Warriors making a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, everyone would have been talking about how the Thunder pulled off the greatest upset of all time.

Instead, the Thunder couldn’t hold onto the lead at the end of Game 6 and let a double-digit lead slip away to the defending champions in Game 7. While the Thunder couldn’t finish off the Warriors, they proved that as good as the Warriors are, they can beat.

The Thunder have the size inside to beat the Warriors consistently on the boards and with a defensive guard like Andre Roberson, they have a team that can be just as dynamic defensively as they are offensively.

Obviously, the Thunder are going to need Kevin Durant to return in free agency if they’re going to stay contenders in the Western Conference, but if he does, the Thunder are going to be the favorites of a lot of people to win the Western Conference next year.

They’re going to be motivated and they know they have what it takes to take down the Warriors and claim the throne in the Western Conference.

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