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Western Conference NBA Playoffs preview – Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers

By Derek Peterson

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) talk on the bench during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) talk on the bench during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Playoffs
January 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Matchup

Klay Thompson vs. CJ McCollum:

We know the point guard matchup between two-time MVP Steph Curry and should-be All-Star (that’s right) Damian Lillard will be juicy. And even though Maurice Harkless is a quality starter on the wing, he’s going to have a difficult task slowing down Kevin Durant. In addition, Al-Farouq Aminu could provide some serviceable minutes on Durant.

But, it’s whoever wins the off-guard matchup that will impact this series the most. During the regular season, Thompson shot below 40 percent from the floor and acted more Andre Roberson than Splash Brother from beyond the arc (16.7 percent from three). On the flip side, McCollum let it fly and did so with efficiency, posting 22 points a night on an effective field goal percentage of 56 percent.

Related Story: 2017 free agent targets for the Thunder

Let’s pose a hypothetical, Curry and Lillard cancel each other out and Durant returns to form to win his matchup with Harkless. If Thompson goes off and shoots anywhere near the 42 percent clip he posted from three during last season’s playoffs, the Blazers will lose. But, if McCollum can slow Thompson and carry over his hot shooting from the season, the Blazers have a chance to steal a game or two.

That’s a big but though.

Advantage: Klay Thompson

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