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How the Golden State Warriors fare against each NBA Playoff contender

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors on December 25, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors on December 25, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

1. LA Clippers

If the Golden State Warriors should fear any team, it is the LA Clippers. With the additions of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers are ready to light up the league.

Let’s start with the superstar pairing of George and Leonard. You would be hard-pressed to find a better combination of offense and defense. Both George and Leonard have been in talks for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, with Leonard actually winning the DPOY twice.

We have already seen what Kawhi can do to the Warriors. His strength and determination can go toe-to-toe with the Dubs and if a few things fall his way, he can capitalize in a big way.

Despite popular belief, this Clippers team goes way deeper than PG13 and Kawhi. The Clippers surprised everyone last season by reaching the NBA Playoffs and pushing the Dubs to six games. This wasn’t an accident.

The Clippers have an insane amount of depth. Lou Williams was the Sixth Man of the Year while his teammate, Montrezl Harrell, was one of the candidates as well. Add the defensive talents of Patrick Beverley and the pure shooting of Landry Shamet and the Clippers have a very solid six-man rotation.

Notable role players on the Clippers:

  • Lou Williams – 3x Sixth Man of the Year
  • Montrezl Harrell – Sixth Man of the Year finalist
  • Landry Shamet – Top 10 in 3-Point percentage (minimum of 350 attempts)
  • Patrick Beverley – 2x All-Defensive 

Maurice Harkless, JaMychal Green and Ivica Zubac finish off the main rotation with a great combination of height and talent.

The Warriors will have trouble matching the star power of George and Leonard, but they will find even more trouble competing with the Clippers depth. If these two teams match up in the playoffs, it would take a historic performance from the Warriors to pull off a victory.

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