Looking Ahead to the NBA Finals
As the Celtics and Cavaliers meet up for their Game 5 matchup in Boston, we may as well write off a "Luck of the Irish" miracle and look ahead to the third annual Finals matchup between the Warriors and Cavaliers. Here is a player-by-player matchup for the series. And there's a winner in each category - no "PUSH" for even matchups.
Position-by-Position Matchups
Point Guards: Kyrie Irving v. Steph Curry
Advantage: Cavs
While Steph Curry is unequivocally more important to his team than Irving, Kyrie brings the 'X' factor that Steph cannot match. Curry has the ability to quickly get hot and spring the Warriors to a double digit lead in a span of minutes; Kyrie has the ability to step up huge in the clutch, making buckets down the stretch to lead Cleveland to victory (as we saw in Game 4 v. the Celtics). This is obviously a matchup to watch. Steph may be a more explosive scorer, but in the posteseason, I'd give the edge to Kyrie and the Cavs here.
Shooting Guards: JR Smith v. Klay Thompson
Advantage: Cavs
I don't think many would argue that JR Smith is more consistent player than Klay. Paired with Steph, Klay can be a real difference maker when his shot is falling. However, JR can cause huge problems as the third (or fourth) scoring option for the Cavs, while providing disruption defensively when shadowing Steph. Advantage: Cavs
Small Forward: Lebron James v. Kevin Durant
Advantage: Cavs
I don't know if you could properly call either of these players "Small Forwards", but that's the best spot to fit them into a traditional lineup. Against any other 3 in the NBA, KD comes out on top in this matchup. But, against LBJ, its no competition. Advantage: LBJ.
Power Forward: Kevin Love v. Draymond Green
Advantage: Warriors
As much as I dislike Draymond Green, he brings the grittiness to an otherwise incredible soft Warriors team. On any other team, he's probably fighting for a starting role. But, on the Warriors, he's the motor that runs this team. Versatile defensively, and a pass-first option on a free wheeling offense, Draymond brings much more to the table than chest-passer and spot up shooter Kevin Love.
Center: Tristan Thompson v. Javale McGee (?)
Advantage: Warriors
As someone who loves a good basketball blooper real, Javale is a hero of sorts. But, when put into a Warriors lineup that causes defenses to scatter around the floor, Javale is a reliable throw-it-up, I'll-go-get-it option. Case in point: Game 4 vs. the Spurs. Tristan rebounds. That's it. Advantage: Mr. Blooper.