2. Klay Thompson vs Iman Shumpert/JR Smith
Thompson has cleared concussion protocols and will play in Game 1, and that is huge news for Golden State as the ‘Splash Bros’ will look to take the game away from their opponents.
Curry and Thompson are arguably the best back-court combination in the NBA, and if both or either are firing, then it becomes very difficult for their opposition to cope with their scoring but also in guarding other players who benefit from their play.
However, both Shumpert and Smith are solid on the defensive end and have been impressive shooting from beyond the arc in the playoffs. While they are streaky, if they get hot then it could easily eclipse what Thompson can contribute and take him out the game.
The 25-year-old is considered one of the best two-way guards in the game, but he will be made to earn his money in this series as he will be needed on both ends of the court in order to ensure that the Cavs support cast doesn’t take a starring role.
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