Starstopping

David Thorpe’s guide to guarding Steph, Dame, KD, Giannis, and Kawhi

BY DAVID THORPE

And then there were four. The Warriors host Game 1 of the Western conference finals Tuesday at 9 pm ET (ESPN) against the Blazers, while in the East the Raptors visit Milwaukee on Wednesday to take on the Bucks at 8:30 pm ET Wednesday (TNT).

A remarkable collection of superstars will be at work: Stephen Curry, possibly Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kawhi Leonard. David Thorpe’s remarkable basketball brain has also been at work, devising ways to stop them. We asked artist Mike McGrath Jr., to help David explain how he’d defend each of these superstars.

STOPPING STEPHEN CURRY*

*WHEN KEVIN DURANT IS NOT PLAYING

Doctors are reportedly going to examine Kevin Durant later this week to determine when he will be back on the court after being sidelined by a calf strain. Steve Kerr has said he is optimistic Durant will return during these playoffs. In his absence, David Thorpe sees opportunity for the Blazers to go all-in slowing Curry.

THE MISSION: Get the…