4 Reasons Trail Blazers Could Actually Upset Warriors in Western Conference Finals
By Max Scoli
The Portland Trail Blazers were able to escape Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, advancing to the Western Conference Finals. However, the organization will be pitted against the Golden State Warriors, the NBA's very own super team. Despite the All-Stars on the Warriors roster, and the team's postseason experience, it's too early to rule the Blazers out of this series. Here are four reasons Portland could upset the reigning champs.
1. Kevin Durant's Calf Injury
Durant is without question the deadliest scorer on the Warriors' roster. His 34.2 points per game are the highest of any player in the NBA playoffs. While Durant hasn't been ruled out for the series, and is expected to participate, he may not be at 100%. It wouldn't be surprising if the Blazers are able to take advantage of his ailment.
2. Bench Production
The Warriors bench has been virtually non-existent in the playoffs. Although the Portland Trail Blazers do not have much of an edge in this area, some key role players such as Rodney Hood and Seth Curry have set themselves apart in the second unit, playing key roles in the organization's postseason success thus far.
3. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard has given opposing teams plenty of reasons to fear him, especially late in games. Over the course of his career, Dame has developed a reputation for being the player who is trusted to take the last shot, showcasing his clutch gene time and time again. Lillard has also dominated the Warriors throughout his career, posting averages of 27 points, 5.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds across 24 games.
4. History Doesn't Favor a Three-Peat
History tends to repeat itself, and organizations that have won two consecutive NBA championships have struggled to achieve the coveted three-peat. The Los Angles Lakers failed to win three consecutive championships in 2011, and so did the Miami Heat in 2014. In fact, a team hasn't won three chips in a row since the 2000-2002 Lakers under head coach Phil Jackson. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors are an exception.