Many people still believe that the Golden State Warriors will successfully defend their title this year. However, a number of clubs, like the Los Angeles Clippers, are anticipated to present a major challenge to Stephen Curry and company.
On a recent episode of his What’s Burnin’ podcast with co-host Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, who has himself played for both the Warriors and the Clippers, gave his two cents. Barnes gave his two picks for Golden State and Los Angeles while discussing the teams expected to win the championship this year:
“I think the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers,” Barnes said. “It would be history for the Clippers. … The one thing about that team is that everybody knows their roles. Adding John Wall, to me the deepest team in the league is the Clippers. So, you gotta beat the champs, but if anyone in the Western Conference can beat the champs in the Western Finals, it could be the Clippers.”
Barnes makes a great point regarding the depth the Clippers have in their lineup. As he put it, the signing of former five-time All-Star John Wall, who could start at point guard alongside Reggie Jackson, was a huge boost for a Clippers team with serious title aspirations this season. Their health seemed to be the only obstacle in their way. We are all aware of Wall’s recent season-long absence due to injury, as well as the injury histories of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
The Warriors, on the other hand, have a different roster now than they did before a few of their supporting cast members left during the summer. The Dubs won’t be messing about this year, though, as evidenced by their performance on opening night against Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Their core is still intact.
Stephen Curry, Warriors’ title ambitions dashed by ominous Clippers reality check was the first to appear on ClutchPoints.
