Well, the Golden State Warriors proved me wrong. I doubted them. I questioned whether they could do it. Well, they did it. With 73-9 this regular season, and with that, my beloved 95-96 Bulls team's record fell to the second best in NBA history by one game.
While it sucks that the record no longer stands, I can't deny that it was fun following Golden State's journey to the accomplishment. This team demolished teams by double-digits. They trounced the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs by 30 points or more. They rested their best player in the fourth quarter most nights, and he still lead the whole league in scoring by averaging 30 points a game.
The worst part is that I said they might not repeat as champions. I knew they would make playoffs, but this historical season was almost unimaginable. Now, I don't know if anyone can stop them. Heck, even with Curry out with a sore ankle, they still won a game against the Houston Rockets, nearly two. This team didn't lose back-to-back games this season. That is the first time any team has done that in the history of the league. That means, if history can predict the future, the only way a team can beat the Warriors is to take the first, third, fifth and the unpredictable seventh game to stop this incredible team. Something tells me if the Warriors go to any game seven, they aren't losing it. I feel that the reigning MVP won't let that happen.
Realistically, I can only see two, maybe three, teams being able to somehow stop the Warriors. Obviously, the Spurs are at the top of that list. San Antonio's ball movement, defense, coaching, and experience are a challenge for even the best team. They have beaten Golden State once this season....but have also lost three times to them. The Oklahoma City Thunder's young and athletic core match this historic team's ability to push the tempo whenever they need to. However, Oklahoma isn't as consistent, and I question if they can keep their emotions in check. Finally, Cleveland is the top team in the Eastern Conference. If Cleveland's three stars can get on the same page throughout the playoffs, the Warriors might be in trouble. However, the Warriors have had no trouble dealing with King James and his court.
When a team is this dynamic, fast-paced and accurate, it will take a miracle to beat them. I'd recommend the teams start saying those Hail Mary's, get the four leaf clovers and talk to the wise man at the summit, because without a little luck, perfection will only get them so far.
