Durant’s Elite Defense

Flash Falcon X · Post #1 » by **Flash Falcon X** » Sat Oct 21, 2017 9:19 pm

7 blocks last night, 2 with one shoe on.

People mentioned his defense last season, but do you see a more prominent improvement this year?

Seeing KD active on the help defense showcased how seriously he seems to take it now. I believe he realized his potential as a defender and enjoys that end of the floor, especially seeing how much it fuels the team’s offense.

Defensive improvement seems like a given, but can KD take it to a higher level and make an All-Defensive team with Draymond?

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Onus · Post #2 » by **Onus** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 12:07 am

KD's defense was great last night. Wasn't great against Houston. His help defense and rotating to the rim is much more impressive than his 1v1 defense. I see him getting blown by way too often.

We'll see if his defense has improved or not, it's too early to say.

Coxy · Post #3 » by **Coxy** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 12:09 am

Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

The-Power · Post #4 » by **The-Power** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 12:39 pm

Coxy wrote:Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

Probably because he wasn't ready to commit yet.

Onus · Post #5 » by **Onus** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 3:34 pm

Coxy wrote:Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

It's because the Thunder liked to play big. When you already have Ibaka and Adams down there, it minimizes the need for Durant to rotate down and help at the rim.

East Bay Sports · Post #6 » by **East Bay Sports** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 4:28 pm

14 blocks in 3 games. He should be on one of the two all NBA Defensive teams this season

Post #7 » by **ThunderBolt** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 7:06 pm

Coxy wrote:Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

Because they sucked as coaches. Pretty simple.

East Bay Sports · Post #8 » by **East Bay Sports** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 2:46 am

Playing with Westbrook and before Harden he wasn't being challenged to play D by his peers. in GS everyone has to buy in on both ends.

Mylie10 · Post #9 » by **Mylie10** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:47 am

Knrstz wrote:
Coxy wrote:Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

Because they sucked as coaches. Pretty simple.

Actually Ron Adams was his coach early in his career and he's back with him now. He often talks about their relationship and that he really leans on Adams.

It's clear to me and KD said as much after the New Orleans game, that he is committed to it now. When you are young and an amazing offensive player, you often think that will carry you through. Now he's realizing that the defense is what can make or break winning a title.

Much like an addict, they have to want to do it, and commit to it, for the change to occur.

FrigginFalcon · Post #10 » by **FrigginFalcon** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 7:15 am

Another factor can be whether or not you are a "target." With Durant's height and long reach, plus excellent footwork and quickness for his size, he was always unlikely to be the first one "picked on" by opponents. That can encourage a blase attitude toward defense, especially if you are a superstar on the other end of the court.

Impuniti · Post #11 » by **Impuniti** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 12:09 pm

East Bay Sports wrote:Playing with Westbrook and before Harden he wasn't being challenged to play D by his peers. in GS everyone has to buy in on both ends.

Hoping to see Nick Young buy in as well.

Badly Browned · Post #12 » by **Badly Browned** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 2:49 pm

Onus wrote:
Coxy wrote:Makes me wonder why his previous coaches weren't able to tap into this side of his game. His instincts are amazing.

It's because the Thunder liked to play big. When you already have Ibaka and Adams down there, it minimizes the need for Durant to rotate down and help at the rim.

Yeah, I'm with this. Durant is a much better help defender than he is an on-ball defender.

With the Thunder, he was almost exclusively a wing and not asked to help with rim protection. It felt like it wasn't until the GSW-OKC WCF that Durant finally got significant time in that role.

old rem · Post #13 » by **old rem** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:02 pm

Flash Falcon X wrote:7 blocks last night, 2 with one shoe on.

People mentioned his defense last season, but do you see a more prominent improvement this year?

Seeing KD active on the help defense showcased how seriously he seems to take it now. I believe he realized his potential as a defender and enjoys that end of the floor, especially seeing how much it fuels the team’s offense.

Defensive improvement seems like a given, but can KD take it to a higher level and make an All-Defensive team with Draymond?

Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

I remember seeing Durant play as a freshman. I was IMPRESSED. While he clearly would score and rebound. I saw good handles and passing and the tools to shine on D. Durant, like Olajuwon ,is LONG but also quick,agile,good hops.
Durant, I think ,wanted to go to GSW to WIN.. but also to EVOLVE more as a player,to upgrade on D, ball handling,passing. He's done so very well and I expect even more.