10 Reasons The Spurs Would Beat The Warriors In A Series

7. The Major Matchup

It’s hard to believe that the most anticipated matchup in the NBA doesn’t involve LeBron James, but the times have changed. Curry has taken over as the best offensive player in the NBA, while Kawhi Leonard has developed into the best defensive player. Leonard’s length, instincts, and footwork makes him a matchup nightmare.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year struggled with Curry in their first meeting as Curry finished with 37 points and a ton of Vine clips that made Leonard look like just another victim.

At this point, getting Curry’d is a given at least one time a game if the particular player is guarding him for more than five minutes, but a seven-game series gives Leonard to adjust his attack. Not to mention the teams will still meet twice more in the regular season.

Leonard will likely guard Curry much less in the regular season games than in the playoff series simply because Popovich doesn’t want to reveal his plan too early.

If there was any player designed to stop, or at least slow down Curry, it would be Leonard. The deciding factor will be if Leonard can continuously bug Curry and still remain a threat offensively.

It takes elite conditioning to stay with Curry by constantly fighting through picks, staying sound and not reaching during his flawless ball-handling renditions, and locating him at the half court mark in transition.

Next: Experience