LOS ANGELES – Andrew Bogut compares a rampaging LeBron James to facing a wrecking ball.
How well Bogut and his Golden State Warriors defend against the man known as King James in the best-of-seven NBA Finals series with the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely decide the champions.
The four-time NBA MVP has dominated in Cleveland’s run through the playoffs, averaging 27.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists a game – up in all those stats on the regular season.
The Warriors have a plan that involves using their well-stocked supply of strong, athletic wing players, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala, on James while getting other team-mates to help out.
If James breaks free, as he will certainly do, it will be 213cm, 118kg Australian centre Bogut protecting the rim.
Bogut is hoping the referees do their job and aren’t unwittingly swayed by James’ status as the world’s best player.
“Every NBA athlete can dunk on you so you have to make sure you get there early and contest the shot or foul him,” said Bogut of defending against James.
The series pits the Warriors, known for their shooters, “splash brothers” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but also possessing the best defence in the league, against the team led by basketball’s most dominant player, James.
Asked how the Cavaliers could stem the flow of points from this season’s MVP Curry, James said: “The same way you slow me down, you can’t.”
