Fansided

30 best personal rivalries in the NBA today

By John Buhler

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant No. 35 of the Golden State Warriors and Russell Westbrook No. 0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder point in different directions after the ball went out of bounds at ORACLE Arena on January 18, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 18: Kevin Durant No. 35 of the Golden State Warriors and Russell Westbrook No. 0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder point in different directions after the ball went out of bounds at ORACLE Arena on January 18, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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There is nothing easy about talking about the roots of this on-court rivalry. It came as a big shocker during the 2017 Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. So what rivalry would come from there?

You guess it, as we’re talking about the one between Kawhi Leonard and Zaza Pachulia. To be fair, Leonard may not hate Pachulia as much as Greater San Antonio does, but he did break the Klaw’s ankle during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Had Leonard not gotten hurt, San Antonio might have won its sixth NBA Finals of the Gregg Popovich era.

Instead, Pachulia got a ring with Kevin Durant, other ring chasers and other Warriors. Leonard didn’t make it back to the hardwood in San Antonio until recently. His team has done alright in his absence, thanks to the Popovich system, as well as the great play of LaMarcus Aldridge during the first two months of the season.

There is a great chance that Leonard and Pachulia will meet again in the Western Conference Playoffs. The Spurs are guaranteed to win at least 50 games and the Warriors should win 60 as well. Maybe this time, Leonard will get the best of Pachulia. Either way, that will be a major talking point should these two Western powers meet in May of this year.

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