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Sacramento Kings: 3 Matchups To Watch For vs. The Thunder

By Rafe Wong

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 21, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 21, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 21: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Iman Shumpert #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 21, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 21: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives around Iman Shumpert #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 21, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Iman Shumpert vs. Paul George

With Russell Westbrook being a no-show for half of the Thunder’s games this year, Paul George has had the responsibility of being the main guy for the team. It was a rocky start, but the Thunder have been thriving with George leading the way as the nine-year star is averaging over 24 points, four assists, and seven rebounds per game.

There is no doubt that George is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, so it is close to impossible to completely take him out of the game. If the Kings can at least limit him somewhat on the offensive side of the ball, it will give the Kings a great chance to win.

The best option for the Kings to guard George is Iman Shumpert. So far this year, Shumpert has been Sacramento’s best defender at the wing due to his athleticism and feistiness. It is not expected for Shumpert to win the individual battle against George, but there are ways for him to tire the All-Star out.

Defensively, Shumpert has to be physical with George and make sure he is not getting any easy baskets. And on the offensive end, Shumpert needs to move well without the ball in his hand to make sure George is putting in a sweat when defending him. Iman has to make sure that if George is going to have a good game, he needs to work his butt off for it.

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