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Film Room: Aaron Gordon's Confidence Guarding Small Forwards

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

By Josh CohenOct. 18, 2016

LeBron James shot only 21 percent (14 attempts) from the field when Aaron Gordon was his closest defender. The average distance on his shots was 14.5 feet from the basket (James’ average shot distance for the season was 9.6 feet). Watch Gordon force LeBron into a tough baseline turnaround jumper:

Carmelo Anthony shot only 31 percent (16 attempts) from the field when Gordon was his closest defender. Anthony missed all three of his 3-point attempts. Gordon’s length, quickness and attentiveness to Anthony’s anticipated movements made it difficult for Carmelo to get into a rhythm. Watch Gordon contest Anthony’s jumper:

Luol Deng missed all five of his shot attempts when Gordon was his closest defender. Deng’s view of the basket was often obstructed with the long-armed Gordon in his way. Like he does with a majority of his opponents, Gordon gave Deng no opportunity to drive past him. Watch Deng get forced into a contested three:

Kevin Durant shot 40 percent (five attempts) from the field when Gordon was his closest defender. But more interestingly, Durant had 20 touches when Gordon was guarding him. That implies that 15 times KD passed it up. In several of those instances, Gordon’s pesky and irksome defense caused him to be more passive. Watch how Gordon’s excellent footwork and agitation prevented Durant from spinning into a shot attempt:

Kawhi Leonard attempted just four shots when Gordon was his closest defender. Gordon kept Leonard off-balanced and he didn’t fall for any of his shot fakes. Watch how Gordon denies Leonard from backing him down and then forces him into a difficult fadeaway jumper: