It's the same issue for the Lakers. Not going to Gasol and Bynum in the post enough, especially in the 4th quarter. It's either Kobe settling or someone else ending up with the ball and shooting up a 3. Lakers keep making it hard on themselves.
I understand the defensive disadvantage Harden has versus Kobe even though he's quick enough to stay with him. I'm just saying with how big of a zero Sefolosha is offensively, I wouldn't be surprised to see Harden's minutes and role increase after a performance like this. There will be stretches where KD struggles and Westbrook can't do it alone -- you'll need the offense, you'll another playmaker and Harden provides that. Luckily, KD's defense on Kobe proves you can "hide" Harden out there and not lose a beat. Overall, just a very impressive performance by KD on both ends of the floor -- something I haven't been able to say often (regarding his defense).
Yes, the poor start and several other key moments where they could have let the game slip away. The momentum kept shifting, the veteran Lakers had good runs and made big shots but OKC kept playing defense and didn't fold under the pressure. BTW, Kenny Smith likes to make those grand statements from time to time. I'm not surprised. I guess time will tell. We may see Lebron take Kobe's place and KD take Lebron's place in the 'best player' race.
Not certain. Yet. I do think KD will eventually get a MVP out of "The writers are tired of giving it to Lebron every single year", but I can't see him surpassing James for at least 3 more years. Heck, look at Lebron's stat sheet in that loss to Chicago tonight - 39/10reb/8 assist/3 blocks is insane, and that was him shooting free throws like junk.
I love how KD rose to the challenge against Kobe, on both sides of the court. I'm so used to seeing dudes like T-Mac be scared to go head up against him. It was refreshing.
Also, 109 decibels in the OKC stadium is holy **** numbers. The Warriors stadium in 07 right after Davis destroyed Kirilenko was at 108.
He still has room to improve. I think if he gains a little more muscle he will be unstoppable. Carried a team to the playoff in his 2nd season. Can't help but root for the guy.
Yeah I agree with Kenny too, the ceiling for Durant is insane, 6'10 with a 7'5 wingspan is freaking unheard of for a wing player, those measurements are usually found in a center, but the guy has skills of guard, If he can bulk up with out losing any lateral movement or explosion he will be the best player in 3 yrs or less ... IMO his already right now one of the top 4, behind James, Kobe, Wade ... --RB
1) durant will NOT be the best player in 3 years, or even 6, unless lebron rapidly declines. durant most likely will be the best scorer bar none in 3 years (but lebron is by far more efficient in that category anyways), but that's it. people don't remember how much better lebron was at 21 than durant is right now. the thunder are winning not just b/c of durant, they have a lot of guys contributing. westbrook is their game-changer in fact; he needs to be more aggressive and take some shots away from durant if the thunder have a chance to extend this series. 2) is kobe stupid? i mean really. the thunder lack interior presence, and your team has 2 of the more talented big men in the league and they have been shooting 60% and you have more than twice as many shots as them combined? what does kobe have to prove? he's proven he can win as the best player, JUST PLAY THE GAME. the lakers can EASILY beat the thunder if they just pound it inside. it's a simple game really for the lakers playing the thunder. kobe is making it too hard on himself and his team.
hey this is the nba dish and not the garm so i am not trolling, i am expressing my opinion of which team i am rooting for in this series just like the majority of you thunder fanboys are doing so; so respect my right to root for the "bad" team just as i respect your rights to root for the "underdog", so stop ATTACKING me!!! shissh
lebron will continue to put up something like 29-30, 7-8, 7-8, on 49-50%, with top notch defense. unless durant takes his playmaking game to another 3 levels, he won't get there in my opinion. i think you have to see how much lebron does for his team, even at age 20-21 (which was MUCH MORE than what durant provides for his team now) to understand how great lebron is. at age 20, lebron put up 31, 7, 7 already. i expect lebron to win the next 5-6 MVPs unless the voters just get tired of voting for him.
Scott Brooks should stick with Sefolosha and Harden on Kobe game. Only switch KD on Kobe in the 4th quarter. In this case, it won't risk KD inot foul trouble early.
