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NBA: Western Conference Contenders And Pretenders

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10), center Andrew Bogut (12) and guard Stephen Curry (30) react after a Warriors score in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Warriors beat the Bucks 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Golden State Warriors – Contender

I mean, duh. The Golden State Warriors have already won the Pacific Division for the first time since 1976, locked up the No. 1 seed in the West and set a franchise record for wins in a season…and there are still nine games left. If Steve Kerr doesn’t win Coach of the Year, I will riot in the streets.

Led by an MVP candidate in Stephen Curry on the offensive end and not one, but TWO Defensive Player of the Year candidates in Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green on the other end, the Dubs are a two-way force. Make no mistake about it; this team is the favorite to win the 2015 NBA Finals right now.

Their statistical dominance is unparalleled: the Warriors lead the NBA in points, assists and blocks per game; field goal and three-point percentage; point differential and win percentage; pace, points off turnovers and fast break points; effective and true shooting percentage; AND opponent field goal percentage and defensive rating.

This team is deep and packed with underrated playmakers like Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguodala and even Green and Bogut. Klay Thompson is a sharpshooter who’s capable of putting up 37 points in a quarter and Harrison Barnes is an unsung hero on both ends. The Warriors are the contender among all contenders.

Next: Golden State Warriors: Greatest Season In Franchise History?

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