Intense rivalries create memorable playoff matchups and help teams push each other to perform at their best. The Warriors’ recent history with the Houston Rockets, led by MVP James Harden, is a prime example.
This year, the Warriors will face several contenders in early-season matchups. Those games may not seem high-stakes, but the Warriors will need to play well early on to stay atop the West.
Boston Celtics
The Golden State Warriors are the defending champions of the NBA. Their roster is loaded with talent and they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Their matchups against the Celtics are always high-scoring and exciting to watch.
The Celtics have a reputation for grit and determination on the court, which makes them a popular team to root for in the playoffs. They have a dedicated fan base that eagerly awaits every opportunity to see their heroes battle the Warriors in a head-to-head competition.
Jayson Tatum is a star in the making and is having an outstanding season that should earn him some NBA All-Star selections this year. He is a top-10 player and a threat to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award. On the other hand, Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown have struggled at times this season and will need to improve their play if they are going to be effective in late-round playoff series against the Warriors.
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Los Angeles Lakers
The Warriors and Lakers haven’t met in a playoff series since 1991. This matchup is a huge deal for both teams.
Rivalries create energy in arenas and attract media attention, which helps promote the NBA as a whole. These matchups also tend to produce memorable moments. Whether it’s a heated exchange between rival players or a physical brawl, these games usually feature plenty of drama and excitement.
With both teams fighting to secure a top four finish, this game is sure to be high-scoring and full of drama. The winner of this matchup will likely determine who the Warriors face in the first round and who they’ll have to play in a potential play-in game.
LeBron James has been in a slump recently, but he has a chance to get back on track against the Lakers. He will be looking to build on his 38-minute performance in Tuesday’s win over the Utah Jazz and prove he can still lead this team to a deep playoff run.
Toronto Raptors
Intense rivalries bring out the best in teams and players. They push them to perform at a high level and create memorable moments on the court. Rivalries also draw the attention of media outlets, making these matchups must-watch events.
The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship last season, led by Kawhi Leonard and a deep roster of role players. The team was founded in 1995 as the NBA’s expansion into Canada. The Raptors play their home games at Scotiabank Arena, which they share with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
This year’s matchup between the Warriors and Raptors could be especially intense, given their storied history with each other. The teams have battled each other in several key playoff series, including both 2018 and 2019’s physical second-round clashes. Those hard-fought fights exposed vulnerabilities in the Warriors’ seemingly unstoppable lineup. With the teams set to meet on Christmas Day, fans can expect a heated showdown.
Denver Nuggets
The Warriors’ upcoming matchup with the Denver Nuggets has major playoff implications. The Dubs currently sit 2.5 games behind the Nuggets from a first round playoff position perspective and 3.5 from their 13th-seeded rival in the Lakers (with two head-to-head matchups left).
Intense rivalries foster passionate fan bases that help to create heightened energy and excitement both inside and outside the arenas where these teams play. Rivalries also inspire players to perform at their best against these teams, as the desire to earn bragging rights and maintain dominance in the league often drives a team’s performance.
Denver’s star power is a clear threat and they boast an efficient offense that can be a headache for opposing defenses. However, the team is lacking a consistent secondary scoring option and a reliable rebounder. This makes them a dangerous opponent, as they will likely attempt to punish the Warriors’ secondary attack and utilize their size advantage. Fortunately for the Warriors, their game-plan includes enough proven scorers and defensive smarts to prevent Sacramento from capitalizing on this weakness.