Golden State Warriors 5 keys to series vs. Spurs

Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images
Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images
Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Gameplan to stop LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge was an alpha dog on another team, the Portland Trail Blazers, and yet when he came to the Spurs, he was looked at as somehow less than his former self. This year, Aldridge has instead been more, leading the Spurs into the postseason and making his case for an All-NBA spot.

The size of LaMarcus Aldridge will give problems to either Draymond Green or Kevin Durant, but a traditional center who could matchup up defensively is not going to help the offense. It’s a catch-22 for the Warriors, especially when the Spurs play Aldridge alongside another post-up threat in Pau Gasol.

To slow down  — or stop — Aldridge, the Warriors will need to bring careful and unpredictable double-teams. Forcing him to give up the ball will force it into rotation, and it may put the onus on less qualified players to be taking the shots.

LaMarcus Aldridge has been nothing short of incredible this season, with a massive usage rate translating out very well. Stopping Aldridge is the key to stopping the Spurs. Any path to success has to go through Aldridge for the Spurs, and any defensive plan of success has to go through stopping Aldridge for the Warriors.