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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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May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket while guarded by Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Andre Roberson (21, left) in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Go Big or Go Home

The Spurs like to play big and that will play into the OKC Thunder’s hands. Last year, Donovan surprised the league by going even bigger against the Spurs in the playoffs. He countered the twin towers of Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge with the Thunder’s own Stache Brothers. This year, the big men match-up could swing even more heavily in the Thunder’s favor.

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The key difference between the two team’s big men line ups is their mobility. After Dewayne Dedmon, the rest of their bigs (see: David Lee, Aldridge and Pau Gasol) are all static bigs on the wrong side of thirty. Whether it is exploiting Enes Kanter’s midrange or getting Steven Adams going on transition runs, there will be options for Donovan.

In particular, Kanter will benefit from playing the Spurs. His defensive flaws are better hidden against bigger line-ups and he gives Donovan an impressive bench plug on offense.

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