Western Conference Dream Playoff Matchup

To be honest last year's playoffs sucked. We all knew the Warriors were headed to their 3rd straight finals. The little hope we had of a competitive Western conference postseason was eliminated by Zaza when he 'Jalen Rosed' Kawhi ending the Spurs chances. The Warriors end up going a perfect 12-0 before the finals (the best record ever). However, this year looks a lot more promising. The West just looks jam-packed, and fully loaded 1-8. The Rockets look like they can run with the Dubs. The Pelicans are on fire looking like they are figuring it out, the Blazers look poised to make a deep run, the Spurs are the Spurs, the Timberwolves look ready to make noise in the playoffs and the Thunder look to prove to Paul George that OKC is the best spot for him. 

Today we will not be talking about potential 2nd round or conference finals matchups. Today we will be discussing my dream first-round matchups for this year.  

Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Is there even a better possible matchup than this intense rivalry.  This would be an amazing matchup to see at any point in the post-season. The rivalry starting from when OKC blew that 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals in 2016. Shortly after KD departs joining the team that just beat him last year. Tensions were high between the two former teammates. Westbrook goes out wins an MVP averaging a triple-double. Durant goes out and wins a title, dominating the Cavs. The Thunder retool and bring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.

The Thunder play a tough, physical style of basketball with their rugged center, Steven Adams. The Thunder play a style which historically gives the Warriors trouble. The Thunder have the athletes in George, Grant, Westbrook, Brewer to make slow down the Warriors on the perimeter and make it tough. However, the Warriors are still the champs and can get hot at any time. During the 3  regular meeting so far the Thunder run them off the court in the first two games behind their tough defense and the Westbrook-George duo. In the third meeting, the Dubs get hot and run the Thunder off the court. These regular-season meetings have been super intense, playoff-type matchups. Now adding the stakes of the postseason and a 7 game series, that means must-see television. I mean I would pay for this matchup. The back and forth trash talk, hostile crowds, contrasting play style, I mean I'm salivating over just the possibility.