Three Things to Watch: Thunder at Wizards
By Jesse Jones
Kevin Durant versus Paul Pierce
Jan 2, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It’s well known that Paul Pierce embraces the opportunity to go against the best players in the league.
Well, tonight is another chance for The Truth to prove he still has it as he goes against the reigning MVP.
Pierce has fit in perfectly with Randy Wittman’s offense. While limiting his minutes to roughly 26 per game, Wittman and Wall have fused Pierce in seamlessly. Pierce is averaging 12.5 points while shooting 39 percent from three – his best mark since the 2009-10 season.
His leadership has been unquestioned and his defense toughness rivals that of teammate Nene.
But he’ll have a tough task stopping Durant, who is averaging 25 points per game and has been one of the best, if not the best (sorry Stephen Curry), scorer in the league for some time.
Durant’s length and wingspan causes problems for any player, especially while trying to get in his face on the perimeter. Wittman might have to call on Rasual Butler and Bradley Beal to guard Durant if Pierce struggles defensively.
Durant is nearly un-guardable, one of the reasons Wizards fans want him to come to D.C. so badley.