Heading into the NBA playoffs, very few teams stood out as having a legitimate chance at capturing the finals trophy. A big reason was the Golden State Warriors, who finished the regular season at 73-9, making them clear cut favorites to take home the title for a second straight year.

However, a quarter of the way through the second round it’s shaping up to be more interesting then people expected.

The Warriors are still the favorite to win; however it has become clear how fast everything can change. In the first round, star point guard and now back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry suffered from two separate injuries, one to his ankle and one to his knee, keeping him out for several games. The Warriors still managed to win the series and defeat the Houston Rockets 4 games to 1 with minimal use of their star. In the second round Curry missed the first 3 games and all-star shooting guard Klay Thompson was able to fill the super star role getting his team out to a 2-1 series lead, setting the stage for Stephen Curry’s game 4 return.

This was no disappointment as Curry came back with a bang scoring 40 points off the bench including 17 in overtime, both of which broke NBA records. With the win, the Warriors are ahead 3-1 in the series and one win away from advancing.

However they still have what many believe to be their biggest threat ahead in the next round where they will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder and the Spurs are in a very competitive series where the Thunder lead 3-2. Both of these teams have given the Warriors trouble in the regular season and would make great opponents next round. The two-headed dragon of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant has proven to be an unstoppable force all playoffs and has given the thunder a serious edge. For the Spurs their veterans and strong defense makes them competitors in every series and situation they are in. Whoever does come out victorious will have their work set out for them next round.

Over in the east conference the one team standing out is the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by the one and only LeBron James. In the loom of the Stephen Curry phenomenon, LeBron’s greatness is overlooked frequently. His team however is 8-0 in the playoffs and seeking revenge for their finals loss last year. Despite the early success the clear threats are in the western conference and will see the Cavaliers if they make it to the finals.

The one thing this playoffs has proven is that no team will sail through without any trouble and that there are many teams with solid chances and we will have to tune in to see the who takes the trophy.