The NBA’s Western Conference has always been competitive, and as the start of the season shows, this year will be no exception. The Western Conference has several talented teams, and by the end of the season, we could see one of the teams celebrating their championship. Here are five Western Conference contenders.

1.) Golden State Warriors

As the reigning champs, it is nearly impossible to not include them on this list. The Warriors are an experienced team with multiple championships. And now, with the veteran experience and leadership of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green and the youthful energy of players like Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole, the Warriors are tougher than ever.

Despite a controversial matter before the season (that involved Green and Poole), the Warriors are off to a nice start. They are 3-4 with their losses coming from teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets.

Curry is playing well this season, as he averages 31.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists.. Curry and the Warriors are bound for another great season and there is a strong chance they can reach the finals once again.

2.) Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are an exciting young team. They put the league on notice last season, and this year, they are showing they are not a fluke. Memphis is 4-2 so far, with their only losses being a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks and a recent loss to the Utah Jazz

Memphis has a star guard in Ja Morant, and so far, he looks like an MVP candidate. Morant averages 32.6 points, 6.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. He is also shooting over 50 percent from deep.

Morant and the Grizzlies look like a true contender and teams in the league should not take them lightly.

3.) Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns were close to an NBA championship back in 2021, but the Milwaukee Bucks put an end to their plans. And despite a disappointing playoff performance last year, the Suns are back on their quest for a championship.

The Suns are 5-1 this season and Devin Booker is leading the charge. Booker averages 29.3 points and 5.5 assists.

Phoenix has a talented team that has what it takes to win. But it is up to them how far they go.

4.) Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are another team to look out for. Their star player Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP (with back-to-back MVPs) and he is picking up where he left off. Jokic averages 21.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 8.4 assists. The Nuggets also have players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray back from injuries (but still under restrictions) that could help Jokic carry the load. And while the Nuggets have tough competition in the West, they are a team to keep an eye on.

5.) Los Angeles Clippers

This spot on the list could have gone to a few teams. The New Orleans Pelicans are making a name for themselves, the Dallas Mavericks have a star in Luka Doncic and despite their struggles, the Lakers could be in consideration. But of all these teams the Los Angeles Clippers could be the team to watch.

The Clippers are 2-4 this season, and are on a losing streak. However, they arguably have one of the deepest rosters in the league. With players like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, John Wall and more, the Clippers have enough talent to win. 

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