A few weeks ago, Kevin Durant was caught telling the Rockets that they can’t guard him. After struggling slightly in the series, it seems that the best strategy is to let KD get tunnel vision and start taking ill-advised shots, but even that makes defeating his team difficult. Taking a look at KD’s matchups against the most high-profile players and best defenders in the NBA, it seems relatively valid that nobody has had much success guarding the Durantula, especially now that he’s surrounded by three All-Stars.
Guarded by Kawhi:
2015-16 Western Conference Semi-Finals
61/122 – 50% from the field, 29% from deep, on 28.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, and 4 APG.
2013-14 Western Conference Finals
58/122 – 47.5% from the field, 33% from deep, on 25.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 3.2 APG.
Those two series were when Kawhi primarily guarded him. For Durant, these numbers are not extraordinary, but they also show that Durant didn’t struggle mightily when guarded by Kawhi in the playoffs.
Guarded by LeBron:
2011-2012 Finals
57/104 – 55% from the field, 39% from deep, on 30.6 PPG, 6 RPG, and 4.8 APG.
2016-2017 Finals
60/108 – 55% from the field, 47% from deep, on 35.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 5.4 APG.
Durant simply doesn’t encounter any trouble when guarded by LeBron.
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In fact, the Warriors’ wing defenders of Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green may actually be the best options to defend Kevin Durant, as history may show.
Guarded by Iggy/Draymond:
2015-16 Western Conference Finals
71-168 – 42% from the field, 29% from deep, on 30.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 2.9 APG.
This is a startlingly inefficient line, especially considering he was turning the ball over 3.6 times per game. It’s no wonder why Durant joined Golden State after this series.
Even against Golden State, Kevin Durant went off for 30 PPG. Just for imagination’s sake, I’ve created a blueprint for a player able to shut down Kevin Durant, and by extension, probably most players except prime Shaq.
The Blueprint
LeBron James’ Height: This could have been any 6’9″ player’s height, but I wanted to get LeBron in somehow. Any taller and lateral quickness starts to become an issue.
Kawhi Leonard’s Defensive IQ: Fouling Kevin Durant is a no-no because he’s almost automatic at the line. Kawhi has more career steals than fouls, so his IQ is needed to help guard Durant.
Mo Bamba’s Wingspan: A 7’10” wingspan to contest Durant’s shots would be incredibly helpful, and that’s what Mo Bamba possesses. Durant’s usual rise-and-shoot tactics wouldn’t work as well against a massive wingspan.
John Wall’s Lateral Quickness: John Wall is a highly athletic two-way guard, and his lateral quickness would allow a defender to keep up with Durant on his drives.
Having even two of those traits would be a great start to defending Kevin Durant, but only a player with all four could decisively shut down the 7′ forward. Even so, you never know what tricks Durant might pull out of his bag when defended by someone with the aforementioned characteristics. He could still fill up the box score. It just goes to show the unbelievable skill that Kevin Durant possesses, love him or hate him.
Agree? Disagree? Give me a shout @PerSourcesSam! Hope you guys enjoyed this article, more coming up soon!