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Golden State Warriors: 5 Toughest NBA Finals individual match ups

By Tony Pesta

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs on during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors runs on during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 19, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Brook Lopez

This sharpshooting big man was recently let go by the Los Angeles Lakers. Only a year later, Brook Lopez has found a home in Milwaukee and is killing it as one of the best stretch bigs in the league.

Take this into consideration: Lopez blocked more shots this season than Kevin Garnett in his best defensive season and hit more 3-pointers than Dirk Nowitzki‘s best 3-point shooting season. In fact, Lopez is the first player in NBA history to record more than 130 3-pointers and 130 blocks in the same season.

It may seem weird to say, but Lopez is having the best season for a stretch big ever. He has been a huge component to the Bucks deep playoff run and he provides spacing that no other big can provide.

Lopez is going to give hell to whoever is defending him. The Warriors current centers are all best suited to stay inside the perimeter. If DeMarcus Cousins returns, he will have a tough time defending Lopez that deep especially considering the lack of lateral quickness he has had ever since his Achilles injury.

If the Bucks advance to the NBA Finals, Golden State will be forced to run small-ball to counter Lopez. This might not be a bad thing, but it certainly could become troublesome.

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