Jan 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
By: Yama Hazheer
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets will meet in the Western Conference Finals. Just the way everyone predicted in the offseason, right?
The series might not be as fun and exciting as a Warriors-Clippers one, but it still promises to showcase plenty of great basketball. The MVP, Stephen Curry, faces off against the runner-up, James Harden.
-== Top 7 Point Guards in Warriors History ==-
Golden State swept Houston in the regular season, but the Rockets were battling injuries all year long. They will be without the pesky Patrick Beverley and the Warriors will be without the beloved Mo Speights for at least the first game.
The Warriors should have an easier time in the Conference Finals than they did in the Semi-Finals. Here are five reasons why the Warriors will beat the Rockets:
December 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
5. Playoff Barnes is back
His numbers aren’t off the charts, but Harrison Barnes is finally playing to the delight of Warrior fans these days. He had a commendable series against a very good Grizzlies team and continues to show flashes of why Golden State drafted him in the lottery.
He was the one player consistently attacking the basket and staying aggressive to catch Memphis off guard. He played with constant energy and helped the Warriors get over the hump when they were down 1-2 in the series.
It certainly helps that he made 16 out of the 26 field goals he took against the Rockets during the season, including 7 out of 13 three-pointers. Barnes can play in the half court and without a doubt, in the fast pace game that we will see between these two high scoring teams.