Hoops Habit
Fansided

Looking Ahead To The Golden State Warriors’ First Round Playoff Matchup

By Ti Windisch

Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) with the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) with the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

But Not That Dangerous

Jokic can’t play all 48 minutes of a potential playoff game, and even if he did Golden State has ways to counter his production. While Jokic is on offense, the Warriors can throw Draymond Green at him and hope that he can hold his own.

On the other end, it’s easy to see how relying on a center against the Warriors could go wrong. Steve Kerr hasn’t used the Lineup of Death a lot this season, but there’s no doubt he’ll play small in the playoffs.

Durant will likely be healthy by then, which means Golden State can throw out a lineup of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Durant and Draymond Green. Jokic is stretchy on offense, but he’s not going to be able to guard any of those guys on the other end.

The Nuggets are 1-2 against Golden State this season, and they’ve never given up less than 110 points to the Dubs this season. Denver would need to score relentlessly to beat the Warriors, and that’s going to be harder in the playoffs than it is in February.

Home/Golden State Warriors