Why Draymond Green vs. Kevin Durant is the Warriors-Suns matchup to watch – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

On By Littum

Kevin Durant returned to the Phoenix lineup this week after missing seven games with a calf strain, and his shot looks so smooth it’s tempting to suggest the Warriors will be helpless to defend him Saturday when they face Suns for the first time this season.

At 6-foot-11, Durant towers over everyone in Golden State’s rotation. He has the handle of an elite guard, is a natural mid-range shooter, and his exquisite range is why he’s shooting 44.1 percent from deep this season.

The Warriors’ defensive options are limited. It is Draymond Green, Kyle Andersen, Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II – and the latter two are listed as probable. Kuminga has a long-term illness and GP2 can handle the right adductor tightness.

Andrew Wiggins would normally be the fifth option, but he is listed as questionable (right ankle contusion). Even if he is approved, he will likely be assigned Suns shooting guard Devin Booker.

Green won’t be the only defender Durant sees, but neither offers Golden State’s best chance at containment. Draymond is a superior defender who effectively guards all five positions.

Also, Green is the lone fighter with significant practice time against Durant. They were teammates for three seasons in Golden State. KD is among the purest goalscorers of all time. Most coaches want to annoy him to the point of frustration. Green, who gives up five inches in height, is aware of that and will use that strategy.

The GP2, giving up nine inches in height, would follow a similar plan. Become a relentless pest. Then-Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers resorted to that plan when he gave 6-foot-2 Patrick Beverley a few shifts against Durrant in the 2019 playoffs against Golden State.

Kuminga gives up four inches to KD, but offers athleticism that could pose a challenge. The problem is that Durant, 36, will be eager to teach the youngster a few lessons.

Anderson, who stands 6-foot-9, has a wingspan two inches shorter than Durant’s 7-foot-5. He can’t match KD’s athleticism, but is crafty enough to reach into his bag of tactics to make things as difficult as possible.

Durant was a first-ballot Hall of Famer five years ago. With his combination of length and offensive ability, he is probably the NBA’s toughest cover.

Even if the Warriors rely on a procession of defenders against Durant, they still need some luck.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast