The NBA’s Western Conference is the most exciting conference in the league these days. Thursday night’s game at Golden State definitely lived up to the hype. The Warriors took on the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. It was definitely a show to see; there were 16 lead changes throughout the contest. Oklahoma City celebrated a game winning 3-pointer from Russell Westbrook with 2.3 seconds left, but the game was far from over. Out of a time out, Andre Iguodala hit a fade away jumper good for two points at the buzzer lifting Golden State over Oklahoma City 116-115. The crowd erupted as I sat on the edge of my seat looking at the TV absolutely stunned. It all happened so fast. These are the type of games basketball fans everywhere live for.
Out west, there are many hungry young teams. The conference is very competitive as last season, the top 5 seeds finished the regular season with at least 55 wins. Only the first seed was able to obtain that in the Eastern Conference. No team below .500 made the playoffs in the west; however, it was possible in the east. Only the strong survive out west.
Here are my teams to watch in the Western Conference this season:
1.) Oklahoma City Thunder
In Oklahoma City, it seemed like it was over after trading James Harden last year without getting much in return. However, the Thunder have a fairly young team led by the talents of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. They also have a go to guy in the veteran Derek Fisher.
2.) Golden State Warriors
The “Splash Brothers,” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are always shooting the lights out in Golden State. The Warriors have grown a lot in the past two years. If Curry, Andrew Bogut, and David Lee can stay healthy, it’ll be interesting to see what Golden State can do this year.
3.) Los Angeles Clippers
It’s always fun to watch CP3 dish to Blake Griffin in “Lob City.” After getting a heck of a new head coach in Doc Rivers, and adding an excellent shooter in JJ Reddick this off season, the Clippers could very well be a favorite to take the conference. Not to mention, they have one of the best sixth men to ever play in Jamal Crawford.
4.) Memphis Grizzles
The Memphis Grizzles took many by surprise last season as they had one of their best seasons ever. Memphis beat the Clippers and the Russell Westbrook-less Thunder on their way to the Western Conference finals in the 2013 playoffs. Two weeks into the 2013- 2014 season and they’re only off to a start of 3-5, but it’s still early.
5.) San Antonio Spurs
Then there’s that team that just won’t go away, the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs’ stars are older, but sometimes you just can’t beat old school. The 2013 Western Conference Champions are back in the exact same manner that they were in last season.
It’s sure to be a shootout in the Western Conference this season. There have been some thrilling games thus far, and it’s only going to get crazier from here on out.