NBA Finals Preview: Shooting Guard
Feb 26, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) drives between Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and center
Andrew Bogut(12) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Overview
How each of these players will be utilized during the course of the series depends on a host of factors that can’t accurately be predicted. That said, a healthy Klay Thompson gives the Warriors an advantage over J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert. Klay’s skill set is similar to what you’d get by fusing Shumpert and Smith together into a single player.
On the defensive end, Klay should be able to defend either guard on ball. How many open 3pt looks both Smith and Shumpert get will be determined largely by how the Warriors choose to defend LeBron. When matched up with Shumpert, Steve Kerr will likely allow Klay to help at times. However, when matched up with Smith, Klay should avoid the trap of falling into no mans land and allowing Smith to heat up.
On the offensive end, no team has shown the ability to stop Klay from getting open looks. His release is too fast, and the Warriors simply find him in too many situations. Whether it is off screens in the half court set, or in transition, Klay will get plenty of open looks.
How reliant the Warriors are on Klay’s playmaking ability will depend on whether Shumpert spends the majority of his time running after Curry. The Warriors have shown confidence in Klay’s play making ability this season, and that confidence has largely been rewarded.
Regardless of how the match-ups and defensive assignments end up working out, this is a position the Warriors should win.
Advantage: Warriors.
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