Golden State vs Cleveland... and vs past champions

After months of struggle, sweat and pain, the two best teams of the NBA face each other in a re-match of last year's finals. Who will emerge as champion?

Golden State. Probably in 5 or 6 games.

The Warriors are simply too good for the Cavs to handle. Oakland played the series of their life, only to find themselves eliminated in 7 games, despite holding a 3 to 1 advantage in the western conference finals. That's how good Golden State are.

Having that said, I find it a bit more interesting to go over the hypothetical scenario of Golden State playing some of the great teams of the past 40 years:

Golden State vs 1977 Portland Trail Blazers: I think even with the old rules, Golden State would have been able to outshoot Portland and maybe beat them in 6.

Golden State vs 1982 Lakers: The 80s is perhaps the most physical and heavily guarded decade in NBA history, so GS's chances are slim to none of beating any of the legendary teams of the 80s. Too much Showtime. Lakers in 6.

Golden State vs 1983 76ers: A tough series, because the 76ers would be backed up by Moses and Dr J, while still having a very good point guard in Maurice Cheeks. It's too much team for the Warriors to handle. 76ers in 5.

Golden State vs 1984 Celtics: There is no way The Warriors would have beaten the Celtics. Larry Bird wouldn't allow it. It would have been a long, gruelling series, but in the end, Celtics prevail in 7, thanks to Bird.

Golden State vs 1987 Lakers: Lakers in 5. Too much Showtime Part II

Golden State vs 1989 Pistons: The Bad Boys would have been way, way, way too physical for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. None of them would have had an answer for the "Warrior Rules". And that is why I will go as far as saying the Pistons would have swept the Warriors.

Golden State vs 1994 Rockets: The Rockets had a good team, but Olajuwon wouldn't have been enough. No disrespect to Horry, Maxwell, Smith and Thorpe, but the Warriors would have swept the Rockets.

Golden State vs 1996 Bulls: The 96 Bulls would have also swept the Warriors. Any other Bulls team of the 90s, would have probably won in 5 games. The reason? Same as the Pistons. While Jordan and Pippen are highly respected for their offense, they were also supreme defenders. There is no way Steph and Klay would have been able to shoot the way they do.

Golden State vs 2002 Lakers: A tough one, but you can't beat Shaq in his prime. Lakers in five... and maybe even a possible sweep.

Golden State vs 2003 Spurs: Another tough one, with the Spurs prevailing in 6 close games.

Golden State vs 2009 Lakers: Wow, maybe the toughest series. I think this match up is quite even, and either team could have taken the series in 7 close games. Slight nodge to the Warriors.

Golden State vs 2012 Heat: LeBron + Dwayne Wade + Bosh = Heat win in 6.

Golden State vs 2016 Cavs: Like I said above, Warriors in 5. Maybe 6, but I'll stick with 5.

H