Golden State Beats Atlanta in Possible NBA Finals Matchup
The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors have been at the top of the standings in the Eastern and Western Conferences of the NBA, and the way these two teams have dominated play this season, we would not be surprised to see them in the NBA Finals.
On March 18th, the Hawks and Warriors met for the second and final time in the regular season. Back on February 6th, the two played in Atlanta with the Hawks prevailing 124-116; in the rematch in Oakland, the Warriors won 114-95. It’s not a surprise that the teams split the season series with each team winning at home. Golden State improved to 54-13 overall, and is 31-2 at home this year. Atlanta is now 53-13 with a 30-4 record at home. Those home records have to be intimidating to opposing teams at playoff time.
Golden State does have a bit of a bump in the road with shooting guard Klay Thompson out 7-10 days with a sprained ankle. Thompson is averaging 21.9 points per game, but the Warriors, who lead the NBA in both points per game and assists, spread the scoring around. Golden State starters scored 54 points in the victory over Atlanta, and the Warriors got 50 points from the bench. They will be a formidable opponent in the post season.
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In basketball, like Hockey, the game changes drastically in the playoffs. Suddenly, there are now series. As the playoffs progress the teams with the most experience and the best playoff coaches and players seem to advance. For that reason, I would be surprised to see either of these teams in the finals.