With the Thunder-Warriors series heading back to Oklahoma City for a Game 6 Saturday night, the Thunder are looking to try to unsettle their opposition as the series shifts to its most pivotal point. Any weaknesses can and will be poked at, and one perceived weakness might be Steph Curry’s defense.
When the question was put to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Westbrook laughed and covered his face while Durant answered the question, somewhat frankly.
“He’s pretty good, but he doesn’t guard the other best point guards,” said Durant. “I think they do a good job of putting a couple of guys on Russell from [Klay] Thompson to [Andre] Iguodala, and Steph, they throw him in there sometimes. He moves his feet pretty well. He’s good with his hands. But, you know, I like our matchup with him guarding Russ.”
Westbrook has been one of the stars of the series, averaging 28 points and 11 assists per game during the series, but he’s only shooting 41.3% from the field and has 4.6 turnovers a game. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Westbrook is 8 for 25 from the field and has seven turnovers when Curry is his primary defender, with Steph contesting 20 of the 25 shot attempts.
Curry led the NBA with just a shade over two steals per game, said that usually Klay Thompson draws the tougher defensive assignments when asked about Durant’s comments.
“I’ve got a great teammate that’s obviously a better defender on the perimeter,” said Curry. “I like the challenge, and I’ll do my job the best I can. That’s what I’m out there to do. In those situations, I don’t get too caught up in a one-on-one matchup. My job is to follow the game plan. I’ve done that the last four years of my career, trying to elevate my defensive presence. I do my job.”
[ESPN]
