Golden State Warriors: Ranking the top 5 things that will step in the way of three-peat

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 24: Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors high-five during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 24: Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors high-five during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 24, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
(Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Unfavorable mismatches

The Golden State Warriors may not be able to use DeMarcus Cousins in the starting lineup often if they’re going to be exploited defensively. That’s why No. 4 on our list is the fact that Golden State will have many unfavorable matches on the defensive end.

Most of the Warriors’ troubles on the defensive end will come with either Cousins or Kevon Looney in the game. Then, if the team decides to go small, can they match up with players like Clint Capela?

The death lineup for Golden State has remained the team’s best lineup. It has over a 20 net rating as compared to their current starting lineup that has one that’s just under five. That said, opting to go to that lineup could be the play for Golden State.

They can’t stop mismatches though. When they play Looney or Cousins, they will be able to be exploited. Will they succumb to that or just play Iguodala in the bulk of minutes with the starters will be an intriguing question.