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Golden State Warriors: Top 5 toughest matchups for the 2019-2020 season

By James Carroll

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors converse against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 3, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Stephen Curry #30 and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors converse against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 3, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 03: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball during the second half of game three of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 03, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 140-137 in 4 overtimes. 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. Golden State Warriors (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 03: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass the ball during the second half of game three of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on May 03, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 140-137 in 4 overtimes. 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. Golden State Warriors (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

#2: Denver Nuggets

In the past, the road trip to Denver would be brutal because of the altitude, but this Nuggets team possesses much more to be concerned about.

It was somewhat surprising that the Portland Trail Blazers were able to thwart the Denver Nuggets’ push to go to the Western Conference Finals last season. Golden State Warriors fans were understandably worried about the potential matchup. And rightfully so.

The Nuggets have two of the top young stars in basketball today — Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Both will be improved next season. Both could knock on the door of becoming elite playmakers.

But it doesn’t stop there with the Nuggets. Names like Malik Beasley and Gary Harris should be remembered going into this season, as both will be key players on a very sound roster.

Paul Millsap has traditionally been a nightmare at the post for the Warriors, and that should only become a bigger issue now that the forwards should be smaller for Golden State this season. Green can’t guard him each possession with Jokic lurking.

Alfonzo McKinnie will need to eat his Wheaties before being bodied up by Millsap, who has no problem working it on the inside.

The Nuggets also picked up some key depth in a deal that landed them Jerami Grant, who should be a great defensive addition for this Nuggets squad.

Grant has the ability to defend multiple positions well and can come off the bench for short assignments potentially guarding high-usage players like Klay Thompson eventually.

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Jokic is the biggest concern for the Warriors. Jokic seems to toy with centers that are matched up against him, and he easily seems like the kind of player that could get inside Green’s head with his antics.

The Nuggets are still trying to work out the kinks with how to best utilize Jokic, but if his inclusion in the lineup at least occupies an elite defender like Green, then Murray can take over.

Murray has the capacity to lead this team to the next level. He caused all kinds of problems in the playoffs against teams like the Trail Blazers who didn’t have a clear perimeter defender who could lock him up.

One of Stephen Curry or D’Angelo Russell will need to step up to stop him. Murray is a rhythm player that can be impossible to stop once he gets going.

The Warriors will have limited pieces to defend against a number of different defensive options. If Jokic is able to harvest a killer instinct that allows him to really force his way in terms of scoring, then this team could be a Western Conference favorite.

Coach Mike Malone has a lot to be excited about with this young squad. They’ll surely be a frustrating group to guard. But if the Warriors can get them running up and down the floor, then they might still be able to keep the Nuggets at bay.

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