Let the Games Begin Already

(Photo from warriorsworld.net)

Heading into the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors aren't getting the respect that their 67-15 record seems to deserve [bold added]:

Golden State is one of only 10 teams in the nearly 70-year history of the league to win 67 games. But even though their statistical achievements suggest they are one of the great teams of all time, the Warriors have remained underrated by the basketball public. TNT commentators Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady recently predicted the defending champion San Antonio Spurs would beat them in the playoffs.....Meanwhile, just last month, oddsmakers had LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers as the favorites to win the title.

Bay Area fans' hearts have long been with the team, and this year so have their heads (analytics):

The Warriors beat opponents by 10.1 points per game this season, which ranks them among the best teams of all time. This statistic has historically proved to be a surefire indicator of postseason success.

Nevertheless....winning the NBA championship means winning four consecutive playoff series. In the past 38 years the Warriors have never gotten past the second round. Doubts linger because of this lack of playoff success, plus the widespread perception that the Warriors consist of "finesse" jump-shooters who can't outmuscle teams that play the inside game. Charles Barkley:

“They’ve had a terrific season,” the Hall of Famer-turned-analyst said. “But I don’t like jump-shooting teams. I don’t think you can make enough jumpers to win four series in a row. I’ve said that for 25 years, not just now. I think you physically manhandle them inside. ..."

Enough talking....let the games begin.