Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Who Has the Edge?
By Mike Dill
Shooting Guard
Warriors: Klay Thompson, Kent Bazemore
Thunder: Thabo Sefolosha, Jeremy Lamb
February 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
This is where the Thunder are missing James Harden. Thabo Sefolosha isn’t a guy who will make a noticeable impact night after night; he is just an average player. Luckily for him, the Thunder don’t ask him to do too much.
Sefolosha’s is probably best known for his defense and three-point shooting. Although he doesn’t take a lot of three-pointers, Sefolosha has shot over 40 percent from behind the arc the past two seasons.
He pairs with Westbrook to make a nice defensive back court. He has great size, which allows him to guard a wide range of players.
The Warriors’ Klay Thompson is actually pretty similar to Sefolosha. Thompson is also known for his three-point shooting and defense. However, Thompson has already proven to be a better player even though he is going into only his third year.
Thompson is one of the most prolific shooters in the league and has made over 40 percent of three-pointers for his career. He needs to develop more offensive moves, however. Klay is content with jump shots and barely gets to the line.
Thompson’s defense seemed to come out of nowhere this past season. He seemed to finally figure out how to use his length and size to his advantage. He is quick enough to stay in front of most opponents and is long enough that he can contest pretty much any shot.
Edge: Warriors