Who Can Stop Golden State?

            Once again, the Golden State Warriors are on a solid run this season. They've only scored fewer than 100 points twice this season and have proven plenty of critics who thought a team of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green wouldn't work because there's "only one ball". However, they're not immortal. Keep in mind that the Warriors are allowing 105.4 PPG this season. Here's a group of teams that can give Golden State fits.

1. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are one of only two teams to hold Golden State to under 100 points in a game this season. Memphis ranks third in PPG allowed, yielding 98.60 PPG. Memphis is also stingy around the arc, yielding .347% of 3-point shots made. Memphis is also the only NBA team who has more than one win against Golden State this season. 
2. Houston Rockets: Like the Warriors, the Rockets love to shoot the 3-ball. The Rockets are sixth in the NBA in 3-point percentage, making .376% of their shots. James Harden and company won in a shootout in Oakland on December 1st as Harden got a triple-double in that game. He grabbed 15 rebounds while racking up 13 assists and 29 points. Ever since, the Rockets are 19-2 and are 2.5 games back of the top seed. Houston's secret weapons are Trevor Ariza, who's averaging 2.05 steals a game, and Clint Capela, who's making .640% of his field goals this year.
3. San Antonio Spurs: A few reasons why San Antonio can beat Golden State? One: Gregg Popovich is the coach of the Spurs. As long as he's in San Antonio and the team has some form of depth, San Antonio will be a threat. Speaking of depth, that's the second reason why they're a threat to Golden State. Lots of bench depth with the likes of Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills, and David Lee. Then there's MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, who's averaging 24.1 PPG. You also have to like the Spurs picking up Pau Gasol to attack the boards.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: They have LeBron, Kevin Love, and Kyrie. They also just added catch-and-shoot expert Kyle Korver, who'll fit in nicely with the Cavs. There's also that whole "Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead" thing as well that permeates through Golden State's heads...
5. Los Angeles Lakers: Believe it or not, the Lakers have actually been surprisingly tough for the Warriors to play against. The Lakers handed Golden State one of their nine losses last season and are one of six victors against Golden State this year. It's hard to believe, but Julius Randle loves pulling down rebounds against the Warriors. 

Photo Courtesy of The Indian Express