How Kawhi Leonard compares to the Golden State Warriors greatest foes

By Tony Pesta | May 30, 2019

TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors on November 29, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6 of 6

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. LeBron James

No man has given the Golden State Warriors more problems than LeBron James. Facing off in four of their five Finals appearances, James and the Warriors are very familiar with each other.

In 2015, James was left stranded after injuries to both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving made him the lone superstar. An incredible 35.8 points and 13.3 rebounds per game from James pushed the Warriors to their limit, but Andre Iguodala proved to have just enough to slow LBJ down and win the series in six games.

There isn’t much to say about the 2016 NBA Finals that hasn’t already been said. Leading both teams in every single statistical category, James delivered what is arguably the greatest playoff series in NBA history as he carried the Cavaliers back from a 3-1 deficit to be the first and only team to defeat the Warriors during their dynasty run.

The 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals were not as close as others, but this doesn’t mean James wasn’t a huge problem. Becoming the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire Finals series, James posted 33.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game in 2017 to steal just one game from the Dubs. He posted similar numbers in 2018 but was still swept.

Next. 3 Ways Kevin Durant's injury can impact NBA Finals. dark

Overall, it is clear that no other player has consistently challenged the Dubs more than James. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect the fight he gave in each series.

Home/Warriors News