Is Stephen Curry Really the Best Point Guard in the League?

December 17, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) moves the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Last year Curry made huge strides defensively for the Warriors on his way to winning the MVP award. Curry made improving his defense a top priority last offseason because he didn’t like how former coach Mark Jackson would often times have Klay Thompson guard Curry’s assignment if he was facing a top-tier offensive point guard. Curry’s solid team defense helped solidify the best defense in the whole NBA last season.

Paul, in contrast to Curry, has always been regarded as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders. Paul is such a lock down defender on the defensive side of the ball that his coach Doc Rivers had him guard Kevin Durant in the 2014 Western Conference Semifinals (Paul is 6’0″ tall, and has a 6’4.25″ wingspan as opposed to Durant’s 6’11 height and 7’4″ wingspan) during some critical moments in the six game series, and he was the team’s best option.

The six-time All-NBA defender uses his strength and sound defensive technique to bully other guards, as well as quick hands for steals. Other than 2010, Paul has been in the top five for steals per game every season since 2008 and also owns the record for most consecutive games with a steal (108).

Westbrook’s defense, like many parts of his game, is unconventional. Coming out of college, one of Westbrook’s highlighted strengths were tools that helped him defensively, such as his size, athleticism, versatility, wingspan etc. However, he is often guilty of playing for the steal, rather than playing team defense. He sometimes leaves his man open trying to get a sneaky steal on an unexpected ball handler, which could result in his original cover getting an open shot — if he misses the steal. Other times, Westbrook will steal the ball for a monster one-handed jam on the other end. I guess the risk is worth the reward when you have Westbrook gambling.

Winner: Paul

Next: Player's Contribution to Team Success