NBA Finals: Position By Position Preview

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) warms up prior to game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard- Iman Shumpert VS Klay Thompson

This is an interesting comparison of style clashes. Shumpert being inserted into the starting lineup gives the Cavs a stud defender versus the stud offensive player. Much like the Irving/Curry comparisons, that doesn’t mean the two players are bad on their opposite ends. Shump’s offense has improved steadily through the season and Klay’s length and defense have never been questioned.

During the season, Shumpert averaged just over 7 points a game on 41% from the field and 34% from long range. He also pulled down almost 4 rebounds and had over a steal a game. In the NBA Playoffs he is averaging 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1 steal while increasing his deep shooting to 37%. His shooting has been crucial for the Cavs, especially when they go small with a PG, Shump, J.R., LeBron and Tristan as their starting 5. That puts 3 shooters and a deadly roll guy around James.

Defensively, Shumpert has earned his keep. With active hands and feet, Shump’s timing on defense is great. He gets in front of drivers, gets his hands on balls and stays active. He rarely loses his man off the ball even while providing great help defense. He never seems to tire, even when his groin was hurt a few weeks back. Thompson’s shooting and size will be a fun match-up for Iman.

Klay had a great season beside Curry as well. 21.7 PPG on 46% from the field and 44% from behind the arc. Thompson doesn’t allow opponents to help off of him to stop Curry. When they do, Klay hits daggers. His post-season numbers have dropped, to 19.7 PPG on “only” 43% shooting from downtown.

The 6’7″ long armed defender can also create havoc on the defensive end. When engaged, Klay can bother many guards and some small forwards. He can stay in front of them, knock the ball away and contest shots. The Warriors may move Thompson on to Irving and can use him to try to bother J.R. Smith’s shots. Shumpert will attempt to tire Thompson out with his activity.

The concussion that Klay suffered still lingers. While he returned to practice, he still has not been cleared for Game 1. As we know from Mike Miller, and for Browns fans Jordan Cameron, these things can linger.

Advantage- Warriors

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