Paul George could have a tall task on his hand as he will potentially meet another two-way star player across the floor with him in Kevin Durant. The Golden State Warriors forward was updated to “probable” this morning and has a strong chance to suit up after going through the team's last two shootarounds without complications.
George talked about his defensive assignment today after practice and praised Durant's all-around efficiency, as the Warriors marksman has shot a glistening 53 percent from the floor through his stint with the Warriors.
“Be physical, try to be there at every catch,” said George. “His range is from half court, as soon as he steps over that line, he's in range. It's just about keeping a body on him, being physical with Kev and not letting him get comfortable early.”
Paul George on guarding Durant: “His range is from halfcourt…He’s a shot maker. Not a shot taker.” pic.twitter.com/xldU0KsmfS
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 22, 2017
George has enjoyed some good stints on the floor in recent games, averaging 27.2 points and a lethal 51.2 percent from deep through the last five games — but he warned his counterpart can deal some more of the same in return.
“He is a guy that can get hot quick, get hot early,” said George. “He's a shot-maker, more so than a shot-taker.”
“We got our hands cut out, I got my hands cut out, again it's just bringing the physicality.”
Playing a physical game with Durant might be a risky game, being one of the best in the league at drawing contact, while finishing at the line with a striking 88.2 percent for his career — but it's one tactic that can be carefully applied by a lengthy defender like George, who leads the NBA in steals.
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