Blue Man Hoop
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3 reasons for pessimism ahead of Golden State Warriors v Cleveland Cavaliers

By Gibson Lowenberg

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors drives towards the basket on Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors drives towards the basket on Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 09, 2022 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Kevon Looney guards Zion Williamson. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Kevon Looney guards Zion Williamson. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

One of the biggest concerns for the Golden State Warriors is the sheer size of the Cavaliers.

One major reason the Warriors could face issues tonight is the fact that the Cavaliers have numerous big men at their disposal — a major weakness for the Warriors.

The Warriors really struggled to contain taller players last season with Kevon Looney and Nemanja Bjelica as their two centers with Draymond Green at the four. This has improved ever so slightly with the return of James Wiseman but his tendency to foul has continued to hold the team back.

The Cavaliers not only have two All-Star and All-Defensive caliber seven-footers in their starting lineup, but they also have Kevin Love and Robin Lopez coming off the bench.

This could be a massive problem for a Warriors team who mightily struggled against centers in the playoffs and lost many of the role players that contained and minimized that issue.

Not only do the Cavaliers have numerous players who outsize the Dubs, they also have incredibly skilled players at those positions. Love is an elite three-point shooter, Evan Mobley is an elite all around threat, and Jarrett Allen has solid touch around the rim. Even Lopez has a high-level sky hook.

These guys mixed with some issues caused by Klay Thompson guarding Donovan Mitchell could combine to cause the Warriors defense to crumble to the Cavaliers’ sheer size. Golden State could easily get into foul trouble early once again and be caught sending Mobley or Love to the free-throw line every other possession.

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