The Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder have recently developed a bitter rivalry. Last season, the Warriors dominated the season series 4-0. This season promises the tension will escalate.
The Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder have recently developed a bitter rivalry. Fueled by Kevin Durant‘s decision to leave the Thunder for the Warriors, the two teams have developed a strong hatred for one another.
Last season, the Warriors dominated the season series 4-0. This season promises the tension will escalate, however, as the Thunder won the first game of this season series. With the intensity of this feud only rising, the Dubs and the Thunder will have the regular season’s best rivalry.
Durant vs. Westbrook
The tension between Durant and Westbrook has been underplayed, overplayed and everything in between. The one thing that is for sure, though, is that the tension is still very real, and very raw.
Last year we saw the two jawing at one another during a Warriors-Thunder game, and the same happened Wednesday night in the Thunder’s 108-91 win over the Dubs. Footage then went viral of Durant and Stephen Curry laughing at Westbrook’s desperate attempt at a triple-double.
While Russell Westbrook was hunting for that 10th assist to get another triple double, Kevin Durant & Steph Curry was cracking up that Steven Adams didn't shoot as soon as Westbrook passed the ball to him pic.twitter.com/CaBiPVBtf5
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) November 23, 2017
The tension between the two doesn’t appear to be settling any time soon. There’s simply no love lost there. But, with the media attention and scrutiny surrounding the pair’s relationship, is it any surprise that it’s gotten to this stage?
In their early meetings last season, it was quite subdued. In recent meetings, it all seems to have come to a head.
Remember in the 2017 All-Star Game where Westbrook finished a Durant alley-oop. Just like old times. Those days could be long gone. Regardless of whether or not the constant attention has played a role, the Durant-Westbrook feud is only just getting started.
Oh, it’s ON pic.twitter.com/d8GQeHuN7K
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) November 23, 2017
Who has the edge?
The Thunder definitely have the edge so far this season. A 17-point blowout win certainly helps in establishing them as a challenger to the Warriors. But, how real is the challenge? The Thunder could maybe win another game in the four-game season series, but the Warriors should win it all again this year.
The Thunder have a much stronger team than last year, and that explains the other night’s win. It’ll be no walk in the park for the Warriors this year. But, this past game may be the Thunder’s only victory against the Dubs when all is said and done.
Overall, the Warriors definitely have the strong edge. This may be the regular season’s best rivalry, and there’s bound to be a plethora of highlights. But, if these two teams meet playoff time, the Thunder will be up against a completely different animal. The Warriors should be favored to win this regular season matchup, and do the same in the playoffs if the two teams end up meeting.
Next: 2017-18 Week 6 NBA Power Rankings
Ultimately, time will tell who wins this season’s contest. However, this new rivalry is alive, well and stronger than ever.