2018 NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs preview

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Individual matchups

PG: Quinn Cook vs. Patty Mills

Whether you consider Patty Mills or Dejounte Murray San Antonio’s “point guard” is irrelevant. Mills will be the guy guarding and primarily guarded by Quinn Cook.

As amazing as Cook’s late-season run in the place of Steph Curry was, so much of his success was derived from hot shooting and confidence. Playoff pressure and Mills’ tenacity could quickly bring Cook back down a few levels. On the other end, Mills’ shooting and constant cutting will give Cook more than he wants, though either player winning this matchup is conceivable. Advantage: Spurs (by a little)

SG: Klay Thompson vs. Dejounte Murray

Two of the longest, most talented backcourt defenders in the NBA going at it will be a marvel to watch. Murray can actually give Thompson more problems than a more talented overall foe might, due to his clear edge as a rebounder and his mix of athleticism and length. Of course, that’s a relative statement. Advantage: Warriors (by a lot)

SF: Kevin Durant vs. Danny Green

Green has generally been a defensive problem for the Warriors due to his ability to bother Curry with ball pressure and match Thompson’s motion, size and strength. Kawhi Leonard’s absence has forced Green to the 3 though, and Durant is a rough matchup for him. There’s a chance he finds himself matched up more with Thompson, while Murray and Durant go at it (more on that later). No matter who guards who, the Warriors have a massive edge at the 2 and the 3. Advantage: Warriors (by a lot)

PF: Draymond Green vs. Kyle Anderson

Again, the absence of Leonard looms large here. The Spurs cannot play a Leonard/Aldridge frontcourt, meaning the Warriors do not need to put their 5 on one of the two. Rather, Green can defend Aldridge in any big spot, or better yet — help off of the rangeless Anderson whenever Aldridge posts up.

Green is not the Warriors’ best starter, nor is Anderson the Spurs’ worst, but this positional edge is probably Golden State’s biggest. Advantage: Warriors (by a mile)

Center: Zaza Pachulia vs. LaMarcus Aldridge

While Aldridge is the vastly better player here, Pachulia will not allow him to have the edge the Spurs need him to. The Warriors’ center has the muscle to limit Aldridge in the post and on the glass, relegating him to a mid-range-heavy diet. We’ve seen LMA take over playoff games from 20 feet out before, of course. Advantage: Spurs (by a lot)