Kevin Durant is an offensive machine, his shot-making abilities are second to none in the NBA. Since moving to the Phoenix Suns, he has been undefeated in the 8 games he has played. He has also averaged great numbers in that time, and the Los Angeles Clippers will not have to find a way to deal with him in the first round.
Tyronn Lue is one of the NBA’s premier coaches, he has been excellent for a while now. But even for him and a team with lengthy defenders like the Clippers, Kevin Durant poses a real challenge. He spoke candidly about the situation recently.
“Well, a 5 can’t guard him. That’s trouble. But him just being on the floor is trouble. You know, he’s a great player We just got to be aware of where he’s at on the floor at all times, along with (Devin) Booker… If he’s at the 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, it’s a tough matchup.”
Asked Tyronn Lue about Kevin Durant at the 5:
“Well a 5 can’t guard him. That’s trouble. Him just being on the floor is trouble. We just gotta be aware of where he’s at on the floor at all times… If he’s at the 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, it’s a tough matchup.”pic.twitter.com/y9A8NeVLOW
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 14, 2023
While what Lue said does make sense, and there is a lot to consider when it comes to handling Kevin Durant, the Clippers might be best placed to do it as they have Kawhi Leonard. On his day, Leonard is one of the best defenders in the league, and he can do as good a job on KD as anyone else. And Lue will surely come up with some sort of plan to try and limit Durant’s influence.
Kevin Durant Has Been On Another Level This Season
For the past decade or so, Kevin Durant has put up incredible numbers on outstanding efficiency, and it has led to MVPs, championships, and Finals MVPs. He has not averaged below 50% from the field since the 2011-12 season. And somehow, he has only gotten better this year.
Kevin Durant became the first player in history to average 56% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line this season. Those are spectacular numbers and go to show just how unstoppable he can be. The Los Angeles Clippers will also likely be missing Paul George and, as such, another willing lockdown defender that can help mitigate Durant. Whatever plan they come up with, and even if they win, there is no doubt that KD will torch the Clippers in this series.
Source: fadeawayworld.net
