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The stacked Western Conference in the NBA is no stranger to fierce competition and match-ups in the playoffs, especially when it comes to sleeper teams coming out of nowhere to snatch a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
Sure, you have contenders in the Jokic-led Denver Nuggets, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, along with Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. But there are three NBA teams that reside in the West that have something to say to the elite teams in their conference.
Three NBA Teams in the West that Can Make a Surprise Arrival at the Western Conference Finals
3. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently the 6th seed in the Western Conference with a 33-31 record. They are ranked 20th in offense at a 113.0 rating, and the 12th ranked defense at a 113.0 rating.
If you look at star power, look no further at this team as they have elite two-way players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The team also made a huge trade in acquiring Russell Westbrook to strengthen their PG position as a replacement for Rejjie Jackson.
As for their role players, they have quality depth in Marcus Morris Sr., Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, and Nicholas Batum.
Sure, they haven't been playing their best basketball as of late, with the team still tinkering with some adjustments to their overall play. But with all their struggles, they still find themselves in a playoff spot amongst tough competition in the West.
The playoffs are a whole different level of basketball played. So don't be surprised if the Los Angeles Clippers suddenly make some noise in the NBA playoffs.
2. Golden State Warriors
Fresh off winning the NBA Finals last season, the Golden State Warriors currently find themselves as the 5th seed in the Western Conference.
They hold a 114.2 offensive rating as the 12th ranked offense and a 113.7 defensive rating as the 18th ranked defense.
The Golden State Warriors are an interesting team in the NBA right now as they have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the league. And yet, they still find themselves in the top 5 in seeding.
The team still has their core trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. However, they are currently plagued with questionable depth in their secondary unit, injuries to Curry and Green, as Klay takes on a leadership role for the team.
But this is the Golden State Warriors. A team that, if healthy, can rival against the best the NBA has to offer.
Due to their incredible shooting and quickness in their offense, rival teams often find themselves depleted in their struggle to catch up to the Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors' biggest concern right now is their health as that can be a huge factor with how their postseason run will pan out.
1. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been playing special basketball as they currently hold the #3 seed in the Western Conference.
In the NBA rankings, they have the #1 ranked offense at a 118.0 offensive rating, and the 25th ranked defense in the league at a 115.5 defensive rating.
The Sacramento Kings are one of the biggest surprise stories in the NBA right now as the team has won 4 straight with a 36-25 record.
The team is led by their star point-guard, De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 25.4 PPG, 6.3 AST, and 4.3 REB, while also shooting 51.5% from the field.
Following Fox is Domantas Sabonis, who is currently averaging 18.8 PPG, 12.4 REB, and 6.9 AST, while also shooting 61.4% from the field.
With the Sacramento Kings having a scoring punch courtesy of their two dynamic players, they are also complimented with great depth as Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, and Davion Mitchell are no slouch when it comes to competing.
The Sacramento Kings' success this NBA season could be allocated to the team's focus on playing alongside Mike Brown leading the way.
Guess the Lakers players!
