Warriors vs Spurs: The Rivalry That Never Dies

From the days of Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant to Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard, the rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs has been one of the most captivating in the NBA.

The two teams have met in the playoffs six times since 2013, with the Spurs holding a 3-2 advantage after winning the 2014 Western Conference Finals.

The Early Years

The rivalry began in the 2007 Western Conference Semifinals, when a young Warriors team led by Baron Davis and Stephen Curry upset the top-seeded Spurs in six games. However, the Spurs got their revenge two years later, defeating the Warriors in the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals in five games.

The Heatles Era

During the LeBron James era with the Miami Heat, the Warriors and Spurs were often overshadowed by the Heat's dominance in the Eastern Conference. However, the rivalry was reignited in the 2013 playoffs, when the Warriors defeated the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games.

The Warriors' Surge

The Warriors went on to win their first NBA championship in 40 years in 2015, and they have been a dominant force ever since. They have won three more championships in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Kawhi Leonard's Impact

The Spurs were able to stay competitive with the Warriors during the Kawhi Leonard era. Leonard led the Spurs to the 2014 Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Heat. He also led the Spurs to the 2017 Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Warriors.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Warriors and Spurs are both still in rebuilding mode, but they remain two of the most storied franchises in the NBA. The rivalry is sure to continue for years to come, as both teams will be looking to re-establish themselves as contenders.