1. Are the Warriors still thinking about the season opening loss to the Spurs by 29 points?
Sam Esfandiari
No. That was opening night and both teams have come a long way since then.
Jordan Ramirez
Andy Liu
They have to be. They weren’t ready, off on a long layoff, and considered massive favorites. Game 1 might look similar considering the same potholes.
Sheed Malek
No. Not at all besides the fact they know they gotta play their best basketball to beat the Spurs.
Alex Torres
A little bit. It definitely has to be in the back of their minds. The game happened a long time ago and at the very least it reminds the Warriors of what the Spurs are capable of. Can’t fall asleep against Pop and his boys.
2. Besides Kawhi Leonard, which Spurs player should the Warriors be worried about the most?
Sam Esfandiari
Spurs success will likely be determined by LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is inconsistent but when he plays a physical game he fits the type of player who can frustrate GSW. For reference; the last 2 years he’s payed GSW 6 times. In 2 spurs wins he’s averaged 13.5 rebounds (5.5 offensive rebounds), in 4 loses he’s just averaged 5.8 rebounds (2.3 offensive). Aldridge owning the paint is the spurs best opportunity to win.
Jordan Ramirez
It’s the role players on the Spurs that really twist the knife. Patty Mills is the type of pest that could hurt the Warriors.
Andy Liu
Pop.
Sheed Malek
Jonathon Simmons.
Alex Torres
LaMarcus Aldridge. He is coming into this series with a lot of confidence after his Game 6 performance against the Houston Rockets. The big man finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Look out for the Spurs to feed the big man early and often.
3. Besides the Curry, Durant, Green and Thompson, which Warrior will prove to be the difference maker in this series.
Sam Esfandiari
Iguodala. Andre knows how to turn a games tempo. We saw him do it v. San Antonio in the Warriors March comeback win. And then you consider this stat Per Matt Moore and think about how smart Andre is on defense. If Golden State find themselves in a tight game, Andre can prove to be the difference.
Jordan Ramirez
Can I say JaVale? I want to say JaVale. Give me JaVale for some high-flying, make-the-Spurs-look-even-older spot minutes against Pop.
Andy Liu
Klay Thompson. Kawhi has to guard KD or Steph and Danny Green the other. Klay is left with nothing but open shots.
Sheed Malek
Ian Clark.
Alex Torres
Andre Iguodala. It’s that time of the year where a veteran player will need to make some key plays for the Warriors to win. Iguodala has the experience and more importantly the intelligence to be a difference maker.
4. Will the Warriors fall trap to looking ahead to the Cavs in the Finals?
Sam Esfandiari
Maybe later in the series if they find success easy early on. But in general, I’d assume no. This team has been punished for losing focus in the past and is more mature because of it.
Jordan Ramirez
This team wants the Cavs. And they want to stomp them once they get there. But if the Jazz series is any indication, they’re not taking any opponent lightly. They’ll handle business, and Pop will keep them more engaged than the Rockets would’ve.
Andy Liu
No.
Sheed Malek
Yes.
Alex Torres
Absolutely not. The Warriors have been here before and with players like Draymond Green on your team, he will make sure the Warriors are ready and not looking ahead to the NBA Finals.
5. We all know you’re picking the Warriors, but how long will this series last?
Sam Esfandiari
Five games. Gentleman’s sweep. Sorry Andy, no fo-fo-fo-fo
Jordan Ramirez
GSW in 4.
Sheed Malek
Warriors in 6.
Alex Torres
I have the utmost respect for Greg Popvich and the Spurs, but Tim Duncan isn’t walking through that door. I have the Warriors in 5 games.