Golden State Warriors: 3 way-too-early bold predictions for 2017-18

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket by Stephen Curry #30 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Rockets oust Warriors during Western Conference Finals

With a 74-8 record, the Warriors cruise into the playoffs as the West’s No. 1 seed. Considering the massive surge of talent joining the conference this offseason, though, it won’t be a cakewalk to the Finals the way it was this past season.

In fact, I’m predicting after making easy work of their first two opponents, the Warriors slip up in the Western Conference Finals. It’s going to take a historic effort, but the Houston Rockets have the talent to get the job done. Believe me when I say that it will go down as one of the greatest series in NBA history.

However, with the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul in the backcourt, the Rockets prove too much to handle for Golden State. The points come in bunches, as the two teams trade blows in a three-point barrage. It comes down to Game 7, with the Rockets storming into Oracle Area and sending the defending champions on an early vacation.

Harden finally exacts his revenge on former teammate Durant. CP3 finally gets the trip to the NBA’s biggest stage he’s been lusting after. Mike D’Antoni laughs at all of the Los Angeles Lakers fans who said he was a terrible coach. Someone other than the Warriors wins the West, inciting celebration from fans everywhere outside of the Bay Area.

Next: Best players to ever suit up for Warriors

I won’t speculate on what happens from there. The Rockets obviously move on to the Finals, and likely meet the Cleveland Cavaliers because who else is there in the East except the Boston Celtics? The Warriors miss the Finals for the first time in four years.

More importantly, it proves that it’s no longer a two-team race to the championship.

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