3 players who'd be happy to face the Warriors in the playoffs
The Golden State Warriors' addition of Kevin Durant this offseason makes them the clear team to beat for any squad with title ambitions, but don't think that means every player will shy away from the prospect of facing the league's newest super team come playoff time.
Here are three players who'd be happy to take on the Warriors in the postseason.
Russell Westbrook
Playoff record vs. GS: 3-4
Playoff stats vs. GS: 26.7 ppg, 11.3 apg, 3.7 stlpg
Westbrook and the Thunder pushed the 73-win Warriors to the brink in the West finals by taking a 3-1 series lead. No player feels more betrayed by Durant's move than Westbrook, who would surely love to play spoiler in his old running mate's quest for a title.
LeBron James
Playoff record vs. GS: 6-7
Playoff stats vs. GS: 32.5 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 8.8 apg
Many detractors would happily discount LeBron's three titles by pointing out he's only ever won as a member of a super team, but slaying the greatest super team of them all on basketball's grandest stage would silence those critics.
Damian Lillard
Playoff record vs. GS: 1-4
Playoff stats vs. GS: 31.8 ppg, 7.6 apg, 1.6 stlpg
The Oakland native plays with a chip on his shoulder at the best of times, but brings unparalleled focus and determination to the court when taking on his hometown team. Lillard's 51-point masterpiece against the Warriors to hand Golden State one of its nine regular season losses may have been the best single-game performance of the season.