Four wins down. 12 to go.
The Golden State Warriors have taken their first step toward defending their NBA title. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games, to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. There, they’ll meet the six-seed New Orleans Pelicans, who dispatched the Portland Trail Blazers with ease in a first round sweep.
The Warriors beat the Pelicans three times in four meetings this year, but New Orleans is on fire. They’ve won their last nine games, and have been playing brilliantly. Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo have combined to form a wildly stingy perimeter defense, while Anthony Davis has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.
In other words, the Warriors are going to have their hands full, but we’re going to have a terrific series to watch.
Things will get started on Saturday, so the Warriors will have a few off days to rest up and prepare. Of course, the biggest story during that time will be about Stephen Curry, and whether or not he’ll return for game one.
Thankfully, he’s looking pretty good. If I were a betting man, I’d say there’s a strong chance he’ll be suiting up for game one.
Ahh, that sweet beautiful shot. That sure would help in round two.
It’s on to the Western Conference Semifinals, folks, with a shot at the Conference Finals on the line. Get ready for some exciting basketball.