Who will end the Warriors’ unbeaten run?

Published by
Myles Stedman

In case you've been under a sporting rock for the past few months, the Golden State Warriors have won 20 games in a row this season, breaking all kinds of NBA records.

It's fair to say that right now, they look virtually unbeatable.

Many have speculated when the streak might end, and it is often said, “surely they can't go one game longer”, to which they have.

This then begs the question, looking at their upcoming schedule, what will be the likeliest date to tune in for a Golden State loss?

The five games listed below are the most likely games that could end in a Warriors' loss, ranked in order from least likely to most likely.

V MILWAUKEE BUCKS, DECEMBER 13TH

The second night of a back-to-back, well into their East coast trip, the youthful, upstart Milwaukee Bucks seem like the kind of team to cause an upset and beat the Warriors.

They've shown their ability to get on top of the best at home, when they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season, and Michael Carter-Williams' length and defence may make it difficult for Steph Curry to get his shot off.

However, they're currently second last in defensive rating in the league – it'll take a mighty effort well above the sum of their parts for Milwaukee to conquer the unbeaten Dubs.

V BOSTON CELTICS, DECEMBER 12TH

Whilst Stephen Curry has proved almost impossible to guard this season, if any team can do so well, it'd probably be the Boston Celtics.

Believe it or not, Boston are currently the best perimeter defenders in the league right now, and by a fair distance. Their 11.5 steals per game is more than 1.5 more than the second-placed Houston Rockets.

Their home record is decent; currently 6-4 on the year, and with The City well into their East coast swing by then, don't be surprised to see them drop one at The Garden.

V TORONTO RAPTORS, DECEMBER 6TH

The Golden State Warriors' very next opponents are the Toronto Raptors, and Kyle Lowry is arguably the best defensive guard in the league right now.

Averaging three steals per game, Lowry is going to prove a tough customer for Curry, and logic says he will keep Curry to his lowest points total in the near future.

Toronto may just have the combination of size and defence to trouble Golden State; can they put together their best performance of the season and take down the champs?

V INDIANA PACERS, DECEMBER 9TH

The Warriors are yet to play a team like Indiana – great perimeter defense, dynamic scoring off the wing, and good size down low. They may very well be their toughest match up of the year so far.

George Hill is a competent defender, and will have to have his best defensive game ever to contain Stephen Curry, but there is another variable to consider.

Can Draymond Green and Klay Thompson perform well enough defensively to shut down Paul George – currently one of the leagues hottest players?

V CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, DECEMBER 26TH

It seems almost outrageous that the Dubs could stay undefeated this long, but then again, would anyone be surprised?

Nevertheless, on Boxing Day, perhaps the most anticipated fixture of the year takes place – the Finals rematch – the Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers.

Despite The City getting the better of Cleveland in last seasons' Finals series, every time these two play it's a flip of the coin. Can LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers rise to the level required to top Golden State?

I can't wait to find out.

Published by
Myles Stedman