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San Antonio Spurs: 5 keys to series vs. Warriors

By Matthew Hallett

(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) /

5. Aldridge vs. Green

If the Spurs are to prevail against the Warriors, it is imperative that LaMarcus Aldridge is able to dominate his matchup against Draymond Green. During the Warriors’ period of dominance, Green has been a linchpin in their defense. His ability to play against bigger centers in the league has allowed the small-ball Warriors to run amok.

Aldridge is going to have to keep Green accountable, possibly trying to get last year’s Defensive Player of the Year into foul trouble. Green adds floor-spacing and playmaking at a level most centers cannot compete with.

On the other side of the coin, Aldridge has to produce even more than he did in the regular season. He averaged 26.7 points per game against the Warriors, compared to his 23.1 points per game for the regular season. He also collected 11 rebounds per game against last year’s NBA champions.

The San Antonio Spurs were 1-3 on the regular season, but when Aldridge dominated, they were unstoppable. In the game they won, Aldridge had a plus/minus of +32. Admittedly, Green played less than 12 minutes in that game. This just shows why Aldridge has to remove Green’s influence from the game.

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