Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace is known as one of the best defensive players of his era, of course that was when he was known as Ron Artest. He may have lost a step between all the jersey number and name changes, but he's still the No. 1 guy with the task of guarding Kevin Durant for the Lakers.
At shootaround Monday, World Peace spoke on what's been so difficult about defending the NBA scoring champion in this series.
World Peace says OKC is doing a great job freeing Durant with lots of down screens, making it tough for MWP to work through.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 21, 2012
This is what makes Kendrick Perkins valuable on offense, even though he's rarely credited for contributing on that end. Most guys in the league can set a decent screen, but the physicality of Serge Ibaka and Perkins with those screens down low goes a long way for the Thunder.
Durant is averaging 27.3 points and 8.3 rebounds a game in the Western Conference Semifinals, just about on par with his season average in points and two rebounds more.
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