In the recent matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard had a challenging shooting night, going 5-14 from the field. Notably, when defended by Aaron Gordon, Leonard struggled even more, shooting just 1-7. This defensive effort by Gordon played a significant role in limiting Leonard's scoring impact during the game.
As the NBA postseason progresses, one of the key storylines to observe is how teams strategize to contain star players like Leonard. Utilizing data from NBA Advanced Stats Player Tracking dating back to 2017-18, it is evident that Gordon has been a primary defender on Leonard more than any other player in the league. In over 690 possessions against Leonard, Gordon has effectively limited his scoring output to 22.2 points per 100 possessions compared to Leonard's average of 36.0 points per 100 possessions against all defenders.
The matchup between Gordon and Leonard is crucial for both teams. Denver relies on Gordon's length, athleticism, and defensive prowess to impede Leonard's scoring abilities, while the Clippers may seek to exploit matchups with other defenders to counter Gordon's effectiveness. The defensive strategies employed by both teams, particularly in how they handle the Gordon-Leonard matchup, will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the series between the Nuggets and the Clippers in the Western Conference postseason.