As the NBA regular season winds down, the Golden State Warriors find themselves positioned as the ninth seed in the Western Conference, boasting a record of 45-35, just edging out the Los Angeles Lakers who share the same record.
With the Play-In Tournament looming on the horizon, it appears increasingly likely that these two powerhouse teams will clash in a high-stakes showdown.
According to basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, if this matchup materializes, the Warriors are primed to emerge victorious.
“Golden State Warriors … they’re going to beat the Lakers if they play against the Lakers in the play-in.”
O’Neal further predicts that the Warriors possess the capability to overcome either the Minnesota Timberwolves or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs. However, he believes that the key to their success won’t solely rest on the shoulders of superstar Steph Curry.
“(It’s) Klay Thompson. And then for a guy like that, all I need is two games. Klay Thompson is the factor everybody’s not really counting on…We know what Steph’s going to do, but if I can get Klay for two or three games.”
Recent matchups have provided a tantalizing glimpse into the potential intensity of the Play-In Tournament.
In a recent showdown between the Warriors and the Lakers, Golden State delivered a commanding performance, securing a crucial victory. Klay Thompson notably shone, tallying an impressive 27 points while showcasing his prowess from beyond the arc with a remarkable 50% three-point shooting accuracy.
Should both teams replicate their performances in the Play-In Tournament, the outcome seems clear: the Warriors will advance to the playoffs while the Lakers will face an early offseason exit.
Despite enduring challenges throughout the season, the Warriors have exhibited resilience, winning seven of their last nine games. Their recent form suggests they are hitting their stride at just the right moment, prompting speculation as to whether they will validate O’Neal’s prediction with a strong postseason showing.
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