2017 NBA Finals: Ranking most the 5 most important players on the Cavs and Warriors

May 14, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks the basketball against San Antonio Spurs guard Kyle Anderson (1) during the second half in game one of the Western conference finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) rebounds in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kevin Love

Last season, the Warriors were a matchup nightmare for Kevin Love

the three-time All-Star redeemed himself in Game 7, with excellent defensive rebounding, in addition to making “The Stop” on Stephen Curry.

But what’s in store for Love this series?

I think we saw in last season’s Game 7, when Love entire focus was on defensive rebounding and defense. Remember, the Cavs ended up being +19 with him on the floor in the series clincher.

He’ll probably start out guarding Zaza Pachulia, but when the Warriors go small, it will be on Love to show Ty Lue why he belongs on the court. He’ll probably be tasked with defending Draymond Green at that point.

If he can even do an average job at that point, he’ll be incredibly valuable to the Cavaliers because the Warriors have their Big 4. Cleveland will need every bit of their Big 3 to make this a series.

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