Fansided

1 move every NBA team needs to make to beat the Warriors

By Brad Rowland

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11), guard Stephen Curry (30) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with the Larry O
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11), guard Stephen Curry (30) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates with the Larry O /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 30
Next
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder: Run it back

The Thunder took the Warriors to the brink of elimination in the 2016 NBA Playoffs and there is every reason to think that Oklahoma City might be even better next season. Well, at least if Kevin Durant returns.

OKC is considered to be the front-runner to retain Durant’s services, and that comes on the heels of a deal that netted the team Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and rookie Domantas Sabonis in exchange for Serge Ibaka. While Ibaka is the best singular talent in that exchange, Oladipo fits the Thunder roster beautifully as the best young wing in Oklahoma City since James Harden, and Billy Donovan can showcase the likes of Steven Adams and Enes Kanter in the frontcourt.

Are the Thunder better than the Warriors, even with Durant? Maybe not. It is entirely possible that the 2016 playoffs were Oklahoma City’s peak, but I don’t necessarily see it that way. Adams continues to come into his own, and if he can build on that playoff success, the infusion of Oladipo will greatly aid OKC in defending the Warriors on the perimeter.

Kevin Durant might be able to find an easier path to glory in Oakland or San Antonio, but he can definitely win it all if he stays put in Oklahoma City.

Next: Orlando Magic

Home/Atlanta Hawks