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Golden State Warriors: 5 reasons they’ll repeat as NBA champions in 2018

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors players and staff pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors players and staff pose with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Finals
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors players and staff pose with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming off one of the most dominant seasons in NBA history, the Golden State Warriors are the heavy favorites to repeat as champions in 2018.

One year after the most devastating collapse in NBA Finals history, the Golden State Warriors are back on top as NBA champions. Coming off Monday’s Game 5 victory at home, the Dubs have secured their fifth title in franchise history, including their second over the last three seasons.

Even after coughing up a 3-1 lead in last year’s championship round, the Warriors are already a dynasty thanks to the addition of Kevin Durant — a free agency coup that might not have happened if not for that Finals defeat.

An All-NBA core that already included Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green got even more dangerous, and the 2017 NBA Finals were a perfect representation of how far behind the rest of the league is. An all-time performance from LeBron James was barely enough to put a dent in the Dubs’ 16-1 postseason record.

In a 67-win season featuring the winningest playoff run in NBA history, the Warriors were as dominant as you could’ve expected. They silenced the critics who resented their formation, responding with nearly flawless basketball as KD himself took home Finals MVP honors.

The only way the Warriors could’ve emerged without legitimate scrutiny was to play like the Goliath people expected. The only way Durant could’ve emerged unscathed is by carrying the load rather than riding others’ coattails. In this playoff run, KD and the Warriors did exactly that.

The question now is when the reign will end, especially as so many key pieces hit free agency this summer. The defending champs have some work to do this offseason, but here’s why they’re the hands down favorites to repeat as NBA champions in 2018.

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