Golden State Warriors

Who poses a bigger problem for the Cavs: Warriors or Spurs?

Published Mar. 7, 2017 7:04 p.m. ET

Andre Vergara

Kawhi Leonard's heroics have thrust him into the MVP conversation and raised the question: Who poses more problems for the Cavs — the Spurs or the Warriors?

Golden State still has the NBA's best record and the most talented starting lineup when Kevin Durant returns, and he'll likely be back and in the swing of things if the Warriors get another Finals rematch with the Cavs. But San Antonio has size, which has been the Cavs' Kryptonite, and something else on its side: history.

"They have shown in three NBA Finals matchups that they can throw some stuff at (LeBron) — he still puts up huge numbers and plays well, but — that makes him think, that gives him pause. It's harder for him to dominate," FS1's Chris Broussard said on "Speak For Yourself" on Tuesday. "We saw last year, even when they lose to the Warriors, he's dominant. So I do think the Spurs are the tougher matchup."

Colin Cowherd said LeBron dominates the Warriors because he has a psychological edge over them that he doesn't have against the Spurs.

"When LeBron has struggled — the Dallas (Finals) series — (he) lost total confidence," Cowherd said. "When I watch LeBron play San Antonio, there's doubt. When I watch him play Golden State, he is never more aggressive. Even LeBron has had moments of self-doubt in his career. Never against this — as you call them, the best suburban team in NBA history, the Warriors.

"He feels like 'I'm the alpha male; these are suburb kids, man.'"