Rockets' Beverley: 'I'm the best point guard defender in the NBA'
The Houston Rockets have had a difficult time slowing opposing point guards during their ongoing postseason run.
| Name | Team | Points | TS% | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.J. Barea | Dallas Mavericks | 11.8 | 49.5 | 4.8 | 7.4 |
| Chris Paul | Los Angeles Clippers | 21.2 | 61.9 | 4.2 | 10 |
| Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | 35.7 | 77.5 | 4.7 | 6 |
Patrick Beverley, who was ruled out for the season in late March with a torn ligament in his left wrist, believes his presence would have made all the difference.
"I think I have a gift very few people have," Beverley told reporters on Sunday. "I know I’m the best on-ball defender in the NBA. I’m the best point guard defender in the NBA. I think the whole league knows that."
Beverley's defensive chops earned him a spot on the All-NBA Defensive Second Team last season, when he ranked fifth among qualified point guards in Defensive RPM.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports recently reported that Mr. 94 Feet was done trying to make a return for the Western Conference Finals, where the Rockets currently trail the Golden State Warriors 3-0.
"It’s frustrating, very frustrating due to the fact that these are moments you grow up as a child looking towards," Beverley said. "You want to play against the Chris Pauls, the (Rajon) Rondos, the Steph Currys. That’s something you grow up wanting to do. This year, I haven’t been able to compete against those guys in the post season."
Beverley, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 assists in 56 appearances for the Rockets this season.