Golden State Warriors: 3 reasons they won’t win the 2019 NBA Finals

2. Increased competition

Another thing that could cause some problems for the Warriors this season is the fact that the rest of the league has gotten better. Some of their conference rivals have improved, while new opponents are arising.

Let’s start with the Houston Rockets. Last season, the Rockets pushed the Warriors all the way to seven games in the Western Conference Finals. If it wasn’t for a stretch in which Houston missed 27 consecutive 3-pointers, the Warriors may have lost the series.

Now, the Rockets have grown even stronger with the addition of Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Knight. These players could be enough to push them over the edge if a rematch occurs in this postseason.

Furthermore, we have seen the Oklahoma City Thunder repackage their team. They are ready to run it back and take a shot at the throne. When healthy, the Thunder were one of the best teams in the league last year. A burst of luck and health could make OKC a scary sight for Western Conference.

Then, the Los Angeles Lakers have come out of nowhere to sign the greatest player in the world, LeBron James. While the roster may not be fully equipped for a title run, there is no doubt they could cause problems for Golden State. An explosion from James combined with timely performances from other players would prove to be deadly.

Lastly, the Eastern Conference has been growing worthy opponents to meet the Dubs in the NBA Finals. The Boston Celtics have arguably the second-most talent in the league and are a superb defensive team. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors have built up respectable rosters that are thirsty for a chance to compete.