The Big Lead

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Don't Respect Stephen Curry's Defense, But They Probably Should

By Stephen Douglas

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Stephen Curry, who is known for explosive offense, came up with a couple big defensive plays late in the Warriors Game 5 win over the Thunder. First he blocked a Kevin Durant shot and later he stole the ball from Durant to help close out the game. Durant was asked about Curry’s defense in his postgame press conference. Russell Westbrook shook his head and laughed while Durant didn’t exactly endorse Curry’s defensive skills on LinkedIn.

Durant pointed out that while Curry does a good job moving his feet, “he doesn’t guard the best point guards.” He added that he likes the Thunder’s matchup when Curry is guarding Westbrook.

" Here is EVERY Westbrook FGA, AST, TO, & Foul Drawn while Steph Curry has guarded him in the Western Conf Finalshttps://t.co/KBRvSVfvtE — BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) May 26, 2016 "

Curry led the league in steals this season with 2.14 a night. (Westbrook was second with 6 fewer steals in one more game played…)

Westbrook shot 11/28 last night and turned the ball over 7 times.

Curry had 5 steals last night.

The three best Defensive Ratings last night? Leandro Barbosa (93) in 7:20, Andrew Bogut (99) in 29:46, and Stephen Curry (101) in 37:27. Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with a 109.

Curry’s Defensive Rating in wins this season has been a 102. He was 10th in the league in Defensive Win Shares.

Now, like many of you, I have no idea what most of that means. However, I know that Curry’s team has often scored more points than their opponents over the last two seasons which means they also hold their opponents to fewer points quite often. And anything he takes away from his team on defense, he more than makes up for with offense. And all those 3-pointers he’s not watching go in? He’s actually turning around to run back on defense.

Look, the Thunder should like their matchup when Curry is guarding Russell Westbrook. They should like every matchup involving Russell Westbrook because Russell Westbrook is really freaking good. You know which matchups the Warriors like for Steph? ALL OF THE MATCHUPS.

Whatever the reality of Curry’s defense is, the Thunder better take full advantage of it on Saturday.