As Cavs.com beat writer, Joe Gabriele, alludes to in his latest feature, when you’re a team’s best defender, you might draw one of the opponent’s big guys or one of their little guys. But you’re definitely drawing their best guy.
This season, forward Alonzo Gee has drawn that assignment on a game-to-game basis, and with that being said...
Which Alonzo Gee defensive performance has been the most impressive?
- Lockdown D on CP3
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul is a perennial All-Star and widely regarded as the best signal caller in the league. This season, Paul is averaging 15.7 points and 9.3 assists for the first-place Clippers.
Gee's defensive versatility was on display as the small forward took on the challenge of guarding someone in a completely different position from his own.
Paul never really got the Clippers' offense going due in large part to Gee's length, quickness and strength. Gee held Paul to 17 points and nine assists and helped the Wine and Gold pull out a 108-101 ROAD VICTORY.
- Containing Kevin Durant
One of the most-used sports clichés when on the topic of guarding a superstar is: "You will never be able to stop him; you can only hope to contain him". This anecdote applies for Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant.
Just six days after having to guard Chris Paul, Gee had the daunting task of trying to contain the league's three-time scoring champ. In contrast to guarding the smaller Paul, Gee was going up against the much taller and longer Durant, once again showing Gee's versatility.
Gee did his job and contained Durant, holding him to 26 points and eight rebounds, both numbers below his season averages. On top of that, Gee ADDED 18 POINTS and two steals.
- Big D against Big D
If you are keeping track at home, so far Gee has guarded a point guard and a small forward.
Against Dallas in mid-November, Gee drew the assignment of guarding Mavericks shooting guard O.J. Mayo. Since coming over from Memphis, Mayo was inserted into the starting lineup and has flourished in his increased role averaging a career-high 20.6 points.
GEE was all over Mayo, holding him to just 5-of-9 shooting while snatching a season-high four steals and one block in the process.
- No Brotherly Love
On this particular night, Gee was in charge of not just guarding one specific guy, but rather keeping several Sixers' wing players in check.
Gee came through for the Wine and Gold and played superb defense on Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young. Young was held to just 11 points while Turner struggled shooting 5-of-13 from the field for a mere 12 points.
To top it off, Gee blocked a season-high three shots as the Cavs pulled out a 92-83 VICTORY.