KD vs Dallas

[CraigHorn]

KD is averaging 20 pts per game with two games left, and one of those is the Mavs at Seattle tomorrow. Obviously, he has struggled against the Mavs averaging almost 8 pts under his avg in three games.

Who typically covers KD when these two teams meet, and what does Dallas do overall that has been so effective against him? I'm expecting KD to have his best game against Dallas this time around and would love to see him end the season strong.

 

[TaylorTRoom]

I think Josh Howard covered him in the 6 point game, and Howard might sit this one out (Howard said he really didn't want the rookie to get a lot of points on him).

Durant is definitely an NBA veteran now. He has learned, after 80 games, how to conserve energy running down the court, how to be alert, although not active on defense, and how not to waste energy being aggressive without the ball. In a way, it's kind of sad.

His fg% has gone way up the last couple of months, and passing up on the threes doesn't explain it all. I bet he's being smarter about his shot selection.

I was comparing his stats with some other notable 19 year old rookies (many went straight from HS) in the NBA.

Durant 20.0ppg, 42.4%, 34.4 minutes
Anthony 21.0 ppg, 42.6%, 36.5 minutes
James 20.9 ppg, 41.7%, 39.5 minutes
Garnett 10.4 ppg, 49.1%, 28.7 minutes
Stoudamire 13.5 ppg, 47.2%, 31.3 minutes

Kobe and McGrady were less than 10 ppg rookies, but they were 18.

Anyway, Durant is easily the ROY. If the draft were held again, knowing what we now know, the only question is whether Portland would still take Oden, or go for Durant. Horford and Scola? Maybe top 5 picks, but not ahead of Durant.

 

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Durant is definitely rookie of the year. I think if Portland had a do over, they would've taken him. You just don't know how Oden is going to come back.

Btw, Scola was drafted by the Spurs about 5 years ago.