The Golden State Warriors’ path to the championship will feature the Portland Trailblazers.
The Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in six games after Chris Paul and Blake Griffin both went down with injuries. Portland, a playoff team over the last several seasons, has been a surprise to nearly everyone this season. After losing four of their five starters including All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, no one expected them to make the playoffs, let alone advance to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The Blazers have made it this far on the strength of their dynamic backcourt of Oakland native Damian Lillard and Most Improved Player of the Year CJ McCollum.