5 Obstacles the Warriors Need to Overcome

5. Kawhi Leonard

Another player that would be atop a list if it weren’t for the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio’s Kawhi Leonard is having an MVP-season and would probably garner more consideration if it were not for the incredible year Stephen Curry is having.

Leonard is the premier perimeter defender in the league. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard can eliminate most teams’ biggest threat. He did a wonderful job guarding LeBron James in the Finals two seasons ago and earned the series MVP award. He held Kevin Durant to just 6-19 shooting with a 0 +/- in their matchup earlier in the year and he completely dominated Paul George.

He’s the Spurs’ biggest weapon against the Warriors. The “book” on Curry has always been to put someone longer and bigger on him. That never really works except for Leonard who has played him well over the years. In order to beat the Warriors, you have to slow down Curry and Leonard seems to be one of the few, if not the only one, who can do that.

Now, Curry completely owned “the Claw” in their last matchup. He kept him off balance all night, hitting shot after shot as the Warriors dominated the Spurs by 30. But Leonard is much better than that performance. He’s sure to put up a better fight than he did in January.

Curry and the Warriors will have to learn how to adjust when Leonard does take a turn on the MVP, especially when the game slows down to a station to station affair.

Next: Big Man Problems