I am going to assume most of you have watched what has transpired so far in the NBA Finals. If you have not, here is a brief synopsis: the Golden State Warriors are up 2-0 in the series against the Cavs and look unstoppable. Kevin Durant has made his mark, as he had 38 points the first game, followed up by 33 in Game 2. The snake looks to be making a run at Finals MVP. His counterpart in Steph Curry has stepped up in the big moment, as he has made Cavaliers defenders look silly trying to defend him. Add in Klay Thompson finally coming back to life having 22 points and making threes from far beyond the arc, this team is making a run to be the first ever team to go 16-0 in the playoffs.
With that being said, if you could choose a starting five out of all NBA players to defeat Golden State, who would you choose? Below I will list my starting five and why I would choose them.
Point Guard: James Harden
James Harden will most likely finish second in the MVP voting behind Russell Westbrook. Harden averaged almost a triple-double this season, and was the key reason why Houston was as good as they were. Harden is a master at drawing fouls on opposing players, and he can drive on any defender. If Harden gets going, he can drive and finish or drive and kick. Another reason I would choose him over someone like John Wall is that Harden can hit well beyond the arc. It is very hard to defeat Golden State in a three-point shooting contest, but having players who can hit three’s is very important in staying with the Warriors.
Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler
Butler is someone who I would instantly take on my team. A “do it-all” type of player, he shot 45% from the field, takes smart shots, and is a pest on the defensive end. I put Butler right on Curry, as Butler can be physical with him getting around screens, while also being quick enough to run with him. The star player on the Bulls is still underrated, as many don’t truly see how valuable he is as an all-around player. Butler is starting on this made up team.
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
A matchup that we barely saw before getting hurt, Leonard and Kevin Durant would have had an incredible battle to watch. From what we saw in a very brief glimpse of the matchup, Leonard helped propel his Spurs to over a 20 point lead in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals before leaving due to an injured ankle in the third quarter. The snake in Kevin Durant once again caught a break from facing a superstar. Leonard can guard anybody in the NBA, and he is going to matchup with Durant. Leonard can also hit from the three, create open shots, and is a perfect teammate to have on the floor. He takes very smart shots and was almost 50% from the field this season. He is starting at the three for this team and he will make life a living hell for Durant.
Power Forward: Lebron James
Lebron James is the best player in the world. No further explanation necessary.
Center: Anthony Davis
The best center in the game will get the nod here, and he will be a perfect counterpart to any Warriors lineup. Whether Pachulia, McGee, Green, or Durant are playing the center, Davis is tall, fast, and physical enough to battle with any of them. Davis is a rim-protector, and although the Warriors do a lot of work beyond the paint, Davis would be there to ensure guys like Durant, Green, Iguodala, or any others get no easy baskets inside the paint. Having him would ensure rebounding that is very important against Golden State because it is a crisis if they start getting offensive rebounds to second-chance points. This superstar would be a perfect fit at the five.
Jake Gordon’s Team:
Point Guard: John Wall
Shooting Guard: Lebron James
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Center: Karl Anthony-Towns
Chase Irle’s Team:
Point Guard: John Wall
Shooting Guard:Â Jimmy Butler
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Power Forward: Lebron James
Center: Anthony Davis
Harrison Coburn’s Team:
Point Guard: John Wall
Shooting Guard:Kawhi Leonard
Small Forward:Â Giannis Antetokounmpo
Power Forward: Lebron James
Center: Nikola Jokic
With the Warriors up 2-0 in the series and looking unstoppable, it makes you think of these kinds of scenarios. This series is not over yet, but it’s nothing like last year, as the second best player in the world joined an already incredible team. So with that being said, who would your starting five be against the Warriors?