Only a few months ago, former NBA player Matt Barnes claimed that Luka Doncic will win this year’s NBA MVP award over the likes of Nikola Jokic and many other candidates for this year’s award. With the Dallas Mavericks now out of playoff contention, Barnes’ take may seem less and less accurate. However, his latest take on the playoff outcome of the Western Conference may end up triggering some big names.

Matt Barnes played alongside some great stars during his time in the NBA. Now, his opinion or predictions may or may not be accurate since they are his personal opinions on what’s going on in the league. 

Barnes picks Stephen Curry’s team over Jokic and the Nuggets

Recently, Matt Barnes sat down with Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett for his podcast, KG Certified. That is where the two talked extensively about the power shift in this year’s Western Conference.

Garnett asked Barnes if he could make an assessment of the Phoenix Suns for the playoffs. The Suns have become an immediate fan favorite after the addition of Kevin Durant via trade from the Brooklyn Nets. At first, Barnes supported his assessment by providing numbers produced by Devin Booker.

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He also added the advantage that Kevin Durant has been able to bring to the Phoenix Suns since he joined. Later on, Barnes claimed that only three teams will be able to hold their fort down in the West. He chose the Golden State Warriors, the Phoenix Suns, and his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers in the end.

Now, this take may sit well with his former teammate and Warriors star, Stephen Curry. Although, Denver Nuggets star and two-time back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic might beg to differ with Barnes’ take.

Do the Nuggets have enough fire to go all the way?

Matt Barnes supported his argument with the point that the top three teams in the West lack playoff experience. This, to some extent, is right as none of the three teams has any championship history.

However, the playoffs are where the most unexpected things take place. Teams with no experience end up locking up championship-caliber opponents. Injuries end up playing a huge role and so on.

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So, even though Stephen Curry would’ve loved Barnes’ prediction, the same cannot be said for Nikola Jokic. Since Jokic has been doing everything in his power to bring a title to Denver. Now, you never know, maybe Barnes’ words may ignite the fire enough for it to be the Denver Nuggets winning it all this year.