Erick Blasco Posted November 20, 2009 Report Share Posted November 20, 2009 As the only team in the top five against all four players, the Rockets have clearly been able to defend these guys pretty well. And Battier, of course, has been the stopper there since he arrived in 2006. Back in August, I wrote how Ron Artest was more effective defensively against the Lakers last season, but he wasn't the one guarding Bryant on most of those possessions. Battier was. The Pistons have Tayshaun Prince, who must be considered when discussing the best stoppers. Over the years, he has clearly had success defending James and Anthony, but it has been Richard Hamilton guarding Bryant most of the time and a mix of guys guarding Wade (who has played only five games against Detroit in the last three seasons). The Hawks are up there mainly for their D on Bryant and Anthony. Interestingly, Joe Johnson defends Bryant pretty well, while Marvin Williams has been the guy mostly defending Anthony. James had a true shooting percentage of just .375 in his two games against the Lakers last season, guarded mostly by Bryant. Anthony has been guarded by Luke Walton and Trevor Ariza, but Bryant has also taken on the 'Melo assignment at times. http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/john_schuhmann/11/19/numbersgame.battier/index.html?rss=true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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