I was watching the Spurs and Nuggets last night. The experts, of course, are all up on the Spurs because they have been so dominant in the West for so long. They are tough and poised with a superstar player (Duncan) a couple of stars (Parker, Ginobili) and a alot of quality veterans (see Robert Horry). It is really hard to pick against them. They are a disciplined and well coached, but as we all know, in the NBA, especially during the playoffs it's about the matchups. And the Spurs do not match up very well with the Nuggets. Nene was an absolute beast, Camby did his thing, Blake was solid and composed, Carmelo looked like the superstar he is supposed to be. But there was one player that was a matchup nightmare for the Spurs, Allen Iverson.
Allen Iverson gives the Nuggets a chance to win the series. Allen Iverson owns the second best playoff scoring average right behind, yep, Michael Jordan. He shoots over Parker, he goes around or gets fouled by Bowen, he challenges the defense everytime down the court. Melo cannot get double or tripled teamed with him on the floor. Allen Iverson single-handedly won games for Philly and now he has a athletic team and another superstar to rely on.
The Spurs better be careful or they're gonna be starring in their own post-season defeat sit com cleverly titled: "Who's Guarding Allen?"
Now to the Pistons. Chris Webber is the key to their winning it all. After the heart-wrenching loss to the Heat last season I knew the Pistons as we knew them were through. The formula that had worked so well for so long had broken down and changes had to happen. That's why I really can't hate on Ben Wallace. It was time for a change. Ben is a great defender, a great leader and a great energy guy/rebounder. But Ben killed us offensively last year in the playoffs.
Webber is the prodigal son of Michigan sports. He is finally back home in Detroit. He wants to win. He is crafty, he is a great passer, he hits most of his free-throws, he can score inside and outside, he is tough and though his knees are not what they once were, he can still throw down around the bucket. The rest of the players we know well, we know what they can do. The bench is deep and talented, the backcourt is the best in basketball. Prince is so underrated and so consistent and is a matchup headache. Rasheed: Rasheed has the God-given talent and physical abilities to be the best player on the floor in every game. He can score from anywhere, he is an excellent defender, when he wants to be. I hope he wants to be this playoff season because if Webber plays hungry and Rasheed plays to his potential we'll be raising another banner in June.
This school day is boggin me down. I was in a great mood coming in today and my 3rd period nearly stole my joy. Thank goodness I got it back.
2 comments:
Well said. If the Iverson/Melo combo finally clicks they could do some serious damage.
The whole Webber thing is amazing. When he first got here it was looking like something special was happening. And then he got sick. Since he's been back, he's been solid, but nothing that seems extra special. If he can pick it up a little we could make an amazing run. But we'll see.
Hey, Googs. C Webb is the new ingredient for the Pistons. I do have serious reservations about Chauncey. He gets in those moods where he just wants to shoot three's when they have the numbers coming down court and drive the lane once in awhile. Sheed needs post up more, because nobody can stop him.
I am so sick of hearing about Shaq and D Wade. Good luck against the Bulls. But face it the East is weak.
As far as Spurs and Nuggets go I believe that experience will prevail. I do like the talent the Nuggets have. A.I. has always been a favorite of mine.
I predict a Pistons/Spurs finals. I want some pay back.
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