Klay Thompson thinks Pelicans are on ‘another level’
By Dave Daniels
The Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans are on a crash course that could upset the balance of power in the Western Conference.
Klay Thompson had to step up in the wake of Stephen Curry’s absence in the first round, and the Golden State Warriors appear on their way to another run at the NBA Finals. The Western Conference is rougher even than usual this year, though, and it will be a tough road. Thompson has noticed how well the Warriors next opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans, played against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Who would have thought that the Pelicans would be this good after losing DeMarcus Cousins for the year due to injury?
“They’re playing real well right now,” he said to TNT. “Jrue Holiday, who I’ve been playing against since I was 15, is on another level and so is AD. Rondo looks like he’s back in his championship years. It’s going to be a great test … I hope we can hand Alvin four L’s.”
The playoffs have been predictable for the last three seasons, and it’s been nice to have a little variety for a change. There are many upsets still on the table. The Cleveland Cavaliers could certainly be bounced by the Indiana Pacers at this point, and the same could happen to the Toronto Raptors against the Washington Wizards.
The Warriors will definitely need Curry back at some time to become a contender again, but they could potentially win a series against New Orleans without their star point guard. The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, are rolling right now. If Golden State doesn’t have Curry back by the Western Conference Finals, then there is some doubt about the outcome against Houston.
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Thompson’s belief in Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis should concern the Warriors, but they just have to stay focused on winning games long enough for all of their stars to be on the court together. All will be well unless Davis plays at a level that they aren’t prepared for.