Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder Better Suited to Face Leonard over Harden in Playoffs

By Gideon Lim

Nov 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Montrezl Harrell (35) sets a pick for guard James Harden (13) against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Montrezl Harrell (35) sets a pick for guard James Harden (13) against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after fouling out of the game during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Rockets won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) reacts after fouling out of the game during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Rockets won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

First Team All-Defense

The Rockets’ defensive strategy against Russell Westbrook is built around their point guard Patrick Beverley. Beverley is a severely undersized defender against Westbrook, but he more than makes up for it with his tenacity. He is an elite defender with bags of experience against Westbrook and a knack for getting Westbrook riled up.

Must read: The Thunder would benefit from Russell Westbrook not winning MVP

However, beyond Beverley, the Rockets lack the personnel to hang with Westbrook. The Rockets backcourt is a complete sieve the moment Beverly sits. Westbrook will feast on a match-up against any of James Harden, Eric Gordon and Lou Williams. Sure, Rockets forward Trevor Ariza might be a secret defensive weapon for D’Antoni. But Ariza has been quietly declining over the years.

Moreover, the 4s that gives the Rockets’ offense its “stretchiness” will have a hard time staying on the floor. Players like Ryan Anderson and Sam Dekker have no chance guarding Westbrook on pick and rolls.

Simply put, after Beverley, there is not much else that can stop Westbrook from either getting his own or bringing others into the picture.

Must read: The Russell Westbrook Runner-Up Award: The Sixth Man

On the other hand, the Spurs are a gritty defensive team with the depth to hang with Westbrook. Patty Mills, Danny Green and Jonathan Simmons are all rotation pieces that pose a different challenge to Westbrook. Even if the trio do not succeed in shutting Westbrook down, they free Leonard up on offense. That alone is probably enough to force Billy Donovan to make line up adjustments.

Not to mention the fact Leonard is the best perimeter defender in the league. Westbrook has been spectacular in the clutch this season but if Leonard is the one breathing down his neck on crucial possessions, having been able to rest Leonard on defense throughout the game, the Thunder’s floor general could have a hard time on offense against this team.

More favorable match-up: Houston Rockets

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