milkyway21
06-08-2005, 10:35 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/marty_burns/06/08/finals.bkdwn/index.html
NBA Finals Breakdown
SI.com's Marty Burns breaks down the matchups between the Spurs and the Pistons
Center
San Antonio Spurs
Nazr
Mohammed :rolleyes vs. Detroit Pistons
Ben
Wallace
Ben Wallace is blocking more than two shots per game in the playoffs.
Manny Millan/SI
Undersized and lacking in low post skills, Detroit's Ben Wallace (6-foot-9) and San Antonio's Nazr Mohammed (6-10) aren't your typical NBA centers. But they both defend and rebound and do the little things to help their teams win. Wallace is by far the bigger-name player. He finished second in the NBA in rebounds (12.2) and fifth in blocks (2.38) during the season while claiming his third Defensive Player of the Year award. But Big Ben looked oddly out-of-synch against the Heat and didn't play with his usual energy and verve. Maybe it was a result of having to battle Shaq, but Wallace will need to be more active against the Spurs. Mohammed isn't a big scorer but he's better offensively than many people think and he's picked up his game in the postseason, averaging eight points and seven rebounds in just over 23 minutes. Mohammed's main goal will be to slip inside for easy baskets off offensive rebounds or when the Pistons swarm Tim Duncan. But Mohammed has a tendency to get his shots blocked, and he could have trouble against the long-armed Wallaces -- especially after having just gone up against the smaller Suns frontcourt. Both Big Ben and Nazr are going to play key roles as "help" defenders. How well each does his job in that area is going to make a big impact on the series.
Edge: Pistons
Power Forward
San Antonio Spurs Tim
Duncan vs. Detroit Pistons
Rasheed
Wallace
Tim Duncan has been named Finals MVP each time he's played in them.
John Biever/SI
Duncan didn't post his usual MVP numbers this season, but he has cranked up his game in the postseason. The 6-11 superstar is averaging 24.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.31 blocks while providing his usual stellar defense. In many ways, he poses a bigger threat for Detroit than Shaq did. Duncan is more mobile, able to drift outside and shoot or pass on offense, and able to slide his feet and contain the pick-and-roll on defense. With a week off to rest after beating the Suns, Duncan's sore ankles shouldn't be much of a problem. But Duncan could have his hands full with Rasheed Wallace. The 6-11 Pistons forward has the long arms to frustrate any post player, and as a member of the Blazers he enjoyed some success against Duncan in their frequent head-to-head meetings. Detroit prefers not to double-team, so Rasheed must make Duncan work for his points inside while avoiding foul trouble. At the other end he must hit his outside shots to lure Duncan out of the lane. Most of all, Wallace must stay poised and not lose his focus. If he gets caught up in arguing with the refs, the Pistons will be in trouble. Duncan, meanwhile, never loses his cool. He is the anchor for San Antonio. As long as he doesn't miss too many free throws, he should have a big series.
Edge: Spurs
Small Forward
San Antonio Spurs
Bruce Bowen vs. Detroit Pistons Tayshaun
Prince
Tayshaun Prince is scoring a career-high 14.7 points per game in the postseason.
Bob Rosato/SI
This matchup features two of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA. Unfortunately, they probably won't be doing it against each other. San Antonio's Bruce Bowen likely will draw the assignment of defending Richard Hamilton, while Detroit's Tayshaun Prince will split time between Bowen and Manu Ginobili. Bowen is the Spurs' unsung hero. Though not a big scorer, he profoundly influences the game with his pesky hands-on defense. So far in the playoffs the 6-7 pest has shut down Denver's Carmelo Anthony and Phoenix's Shawn Marion, and kept Seattle's Ray Allen in relative check. He will fight through screens and won't give Hamilton all those wide open looks like the Heat did. On offense, Bowen is not a great shooter but he will knock down open 3s, especially from the corners. Prince is almost as good as Bowen on the defensive end, but he is much more complete player. The 6-9 praying mantis has long arms and the quickness to raid passing lanes and get steals. On offense he has an arsenal of low-post moves and a sweet shooting stroke from outside. He's also a good finisher on the break and a rebounder who will clean up misses off the offensive glass. With San Antonio planning to use Bowen on Hamilton, Prince's offense will be key. He must use his size advantage against Ginobili in the post to make the Spurs pay for the strategy.
Edge: Pistons
Shooting Guard
San Antonio Spurs
Manu Ginobili vs. Detroit Pistons
Richard
Hamilton
Manu Ginobili's 46 percent 3-point shooting promises to stretch the Pistons on defense.
John W. McDonough/SI
The marquee matchup of this series. Ginobili and Hamilton are both talented, experienced and capable of making a huge impact at both ends of the court. Ginobili has emerged as the Spurs' main playmaker this season, driving aggressively to the basket on offense and hounding foes on defense with his lightning-fast hands. The 6-6 All-Star has been an absolute terror in the playoffs, averaging 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Ginobili not only is talented, but also a focused competitor who raises his game under pressure. With an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal already under his belt, he won't be fazed by anything that happens. This could be a key factor if the Pistons get tired of watching him bull his way to the basket and decide to knock him down. Hamilton, meanwhile, proved his mettle by leading Detroit to the NBA title a year ago. He, too, is a big-time scorer, wearing down his foes by constantly running and moving off the ball. Hamilton had been bothered by a calf injury earlier in the playoffs, but he looked much better in torching the Heat (23.6 points on 47.4-percent shooting) in the Eastern finals. However, he will be going up against an ace stopper in Bowen this series. He must stay patient and not let Bowen frustrate him. This matchup is basically a wash, but Ginobili will probably come out looking better because he won't have to guard Hamilton.
Edge: Spurs
Point Guard
San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker vs. Detroit Pistons
The reigning Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups' clutch free-throw shooting was instrumental in downing the Heat in the East finals.
Al Tielemans/SI
San Antonio's Tony Parker and Detroit's Chauncey Billups each has led his team to an NBA title, but that's about all they share in common. Parker is a cat-quick 6-2 playmaker who likes to dart into the paint for teardrops and runners or spot up outside for long jumpers. Billups is a 6-3 bull who likes to use his strength to get in the lane and a 3-point shooter with a knack for hitting big shots at crunch time. Parker's ability to run pick-and-roll with Duncan is often a key to San Antonio's attack. But he might have a hard time shooting over the Wallaces when he does get in the lane. Parker also has a tendency to go AWOL at times and stand out by the 3-point line, especially when Ginobili and Duncan are initiating the offense. Parker must stay aggressive and knock down open shots when they come his way. Billups is more well-rounded and steady for the Pistons. He does the little things, like grabbing key rebounds or knocking down free throws. His job will be to stay in front of Parker as much as possible on defense, and make good decisions on offense. Billups at times can get sloppy with the ball and drive his coach to distraction, but his ability to rise up in the clutch rates him the slight edge here.
Edge: Pistons
Bench
Robert Horry has won more titles (five) than any current player.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Spurs reserves Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Glenn Robinson, Rasho Nesterovic, Devin Brown, Beno Udrih and Tony Massenburg form one of the NBA's best benches. They give coach Gregg Popovich a little of everything. Horry, a 6-9 power forward, is a big-time shot-maker and all-around hustle guy who has a knack for making plays. With five NBA title rings from his days with the Rockets and Lakers, he knows what it takes to win on the Finals stage. Barry and Robinson are veteran scorers who can shoot over defenses and make the Pistons pay for swarming Duncan. Nesterovic hasn't played much in these playoffs since losing his starting job to Mohammed late in the season, but the 7-foot veteran is a good team defender who provides quality depth in the frontcourt. The Pistons counter with a unit of Antonio McDyess, Carlos Arroyo, Lindsey Hunter, Elden Campbell, Ronald Dupree, Darvin Ham and Darko Milicic. McDyess, a 6-9 power forward, gives Detroit an active big man who can stick the open jumper and work the low post. He also will be called on at times to defend Duncan, especially if Rasheed gets in foul trouble. With the Pistons bench otherwise thin, McDyess must come up big in this series. He suffered a hyperextended knee against the Heat in Game 7, but he appears to be OK. Arroyo and Hunter provide solid backcourt depth, with Hunter's ability to pressure the ball and defend a big asset for Detroit, but in this series they're going to need to hit some open shots.
Edge: Spurs
Coach
John W. McDonough/SI
Don't expect any sniping between the coaches at this year's Finals. Unlike last year, when Larry Brown traded barbs with Phil Jackson, the Pistons coach has only love for Popovich. The two are good friends who speak by phone regularly during the season. Brown gave Popovich his NBA start by hiring him as an assistant on his Spurs staff many years ago, and Popovich was best man at Brown's wedding. They also happen to be two of the best coaches in the game, with similar philosophies about defense and sharing the ball. Their teams are practically mirror images. Brown (2001) and Popovich ('03) each has won Coach of the Year, so it's not as if they don't know their Xs and Os. Brown, 64, has more experience building teams but Popovich, 56, has been with his Spurs longer and knows his team well. Both coaches will have their teams prepared and won't be surprised by anything that happens. They will make adjustments on the fly, preach transition defense, and sharing the ball. It's hard to see either coach gaining an edge in this matchup.
Edge: Even
X-Factor
Antonio McDyess leads a Pistons bench that in many respects is a shell of last year's incarnation.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Keep an eye on Barry. The 6-6 veteran swingman signed with the Spurs last summer as a free agent in large part for the chance to win an NBA ring. Though he struggled much of the season, he looks to be finding a rhythm in the playoffs. He hit a couple big shots against the Sonics in the conference semifinals and then followed by making 11-of-20 3-pointers against the Suns in the conference finals. With points at a premium against the tough Pistons D, Barry's ability to shoot and pass could be critical. For the Pistons, McDyess could be the key. Like Barry, the veteran forward has waited a long time for a chance to play for an NBA title. He must provide some needed scoring off the bench, even more so considering Detroit's otherwise thin reserve corps. McDyess also must provide some quality defense on Duncan and Horry to give the Wallaces a breather.
Edge: Spurs
Intangibles
There's nary an offensive star that Bruce Bowen hasn't frustrated to distraction with his tight defense.
Chris Birck/NBAE via Getty Images
With a 12-4 mark in the playoffs, including an impressive five-game romp over the Suns, the Spurs are brimming with confidence. They also should be healthy and well-rested after having seven days off since dispatching Phoenix. Throw in the fact they have home-court advantage (they are a league-best 44-5 record at SBC Center this season) and San Antonio would seem to be in fine shape. The Pistons, meanwhile, have been a bit shakier (12-6) through much of the postseason and still might be a bit distracted by all the talk over Brown's uncertain future. Detroit showed its championship mettle by winning Game 7 at Miami, but it probably can't afford to fall behind in this series against a team like the Spurs. The Pistons do have exceptional mental toughness, but that edge might be mitigated somewhat here since the Spurs won a title themselves just two years ago.
Edge: Spurs
Bottom Line
The Pistons have a slightly better starting five, and a burning desire to cement their place in history with a second straight NBA title. But Tim Duncan is a bigger two-way force than a hobbled Shaq, and Manu Ginobili is as dangerous as Dwyane Wade. With home-court advantage, San Antonio will be too tough to beat.
Spurs in 6
..i thought Rasho shld go against Big Ben.:rolleyes
NBA Finals Breakdown
SI.com's Marty Burns breaks down the matchups between the Spurs and the Pistons
Center
San Antonio Spurs
Nazr
Mohammed :rolleyes vs. Detroit Pistons
Ben
Wallace
Ben Wallace is blocking more than two shots per game in the playoffs.
Manny Millan/SI
Undersized and lacking in low post skills, Detroit's Ben Wallace (6-foot-9) and San Antonio's Nazr Mohammed (6-10) aren't your typical NBA centers. But they both defend and rebound and do the little things to help their teams win. Wallace is by far the bigger-name player. He finished second in the NBA in rebounds (12.2) and fifth in blocks (2.38) during the season while claiming his third Defensive Player of the Year award. But Big Ben looked oddly out-of-synch against the Heat and didn't play with his usual energy and verve. Maybe it was a result of having to battle Shaq, but Wallace will need to be more active against the Spurs. Mohammed isn't a big scorer but he's better offensively than many people think and he's picked up his game in the postseason, averaging eight points and seven rebounds in just over 23 minutes. Mohammed's main goal will be to slip inside for easy baskets off offensive rebounds or when the Pistons swarm Tim Duncan. But Mohammed has a tendency to get his shots blocked, and he could have trouble against the long-armed Wallaces -- especially after having just gone up against the smaller Suns frontcourt. Both Big Ben and Nazr are going to play key roles as "help" defenders. How well each does his job in that area is going to make a big impact on the series.
Edge: Pistons
Power Forward
San Antonio Spurs Tim
Duncan vs. Detroit Pistons
Rasheed
Wallace
Tim Duncan has been named Finals MVP each time he's played in them.
John Biever/SI
Duncan didn't post his usual MVP numbers this season, but he has cranked up his game in the postseason. The 6-11 superstar is averaging 24.9 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.31 blocks while providing his usual stellar defense. In many ways, he poses a bigger threat for Detroit than Shaq did. Duncan is more mobile, able to drift outside and shoot or pass on offense, and able to slide his feet and contain the pick-and-roll on defense. With a week off to rest after beating the Suns, Duncan's sore ankles shouldn't be much of a problem. But Duncan could have his hands full with Rasheed Wallace. The 6-11 Pistons forward has the long arms to frustrate any post player, and as a member of the Blazers he enjoyed some success against Duncan in their frequent head-to-head meetings. Detroit prefers not to double-team, so Rasheed must make Duncan work for his points inside while avoiding foul trouble. At the other end he must hit his outside shots to lure Duncan out of the lane. Most of all, Wallace must stay poised and not lose his focus. If he gets caught up in arguing with the refs, the Pistons will be in trouble. Duncan, meanwhile, never loses his cool. He is the anchor for San Antonio. As long as he doesn't miss too many free throws, he should have a big series.
Edge: Spurs
Small Forward
San Antonio Spurs
Bruce Bowen vs. Detroit Pistons Tayshaun
Prince
Tayshaun Prince is scoring a career-high 14.7 points per game in the postseason.
Bob Rosato/SI
This matchup features two of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA. Unfortunately, they probably won't be doing it against each other. San Antonio's Bruce Bowen likely will draw the assignment of defending Richard Hamilton, while Detroit's Tayshaun Prince will split time between Bowen and Manu Ginobili. Bowen is the Spurs' unsung hero. Though not a big scorer, he profoundly influences the game with his pesky hands-on defense. So far in the playoffs the 6-7 pest has shut down Denver's Carmelo Anthony and Phoenix's Shawn Marion, and kept Seattle's Ray Allen in relative check. He will fight through screens and won't give Hamilton all those wide open looks like the Heat did. On offense, Bowen is not a great shooter but he will knock down open 3s, especially from the corners. Prince is almost as good as Bowen on the defensive end, but he is much more complete player. The 6-9 praying mantis has long arms and the quickness to raid passing lanes and get steals. On offense he has an arsenal of low-post moves and a sweet shooting stroke from outside. He's also a good finisher on the break and a rebounder who will clean up misses off the offensive glass. With San Antonio planning to use Bowen on Hamilton, Prince's offense will be key. He must use his size advantage against Ginobili in the post to make the Spurs pay for the strategy.
Edge: Pistons
Shooting Guard
San Antonio Spurs
Manu Ginobili vs. Detroit Pistons
Richard
Hamilton
Manu Ginobili's 46 percent 3-point shooting promises to stretch the Pistons on defense.
John W. McDonough/SI
The marquee matchup of this series. Ginobili and Hamilton are both talented, experienced and capable of making a huge impact at both ends of the court. Ginobili has emerged as the Spurs' main playmaker this season, driving aggressively to the basket on offense and hounding foes on defense with his lightning-fast hands. The 6-6 All-Star has been an absolute terror in the playoffs, averaging 21.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Ginobili not only is talented, but also a focused competitor who raises his game under pressure. With an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal already under his belt, he won't be fazed by anything that happens. This could be a key factor if the Pistons get tired of watching him bull his way to the basket and decide to knock him down. Hamilton, meanwhile, proved his mettle by leading Detroit to the NBA title a year ago. He, too, is a big-time scorer, wearing down his foes by constantly running and moving off the ball. Hamilton had been bothered by a calf injury earlier in the playoffs, but he looked much better in torching the Heat (23.6 points on 47.4-percent shooting) in the Eastern finals. However, he will be going up against an ace stopper in Bowen this series. He must stay patient and not let Bowen frustrate him. This matchup is basically a wash, but Ginobili will probably come out looking better because he won't have to guard Hamilton.
Edge: Spurs
Point Guard
San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker vs. Detroit Pistons
The reigning Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups' clutch free-throw shooting was instrumental in downing the Heat in the East finals.
Al Tielemans/SI
San Antonio's Tony Parker and Detroit's Chauncey Billups each has led his team to an NBA title, but that's about all they share in common. Parker is a cat-quick 6-2 playmaker who likes to dart into the paint for teardrops and runners or spot up outside for long jumpers. Billups is a 6-3 bull who likes to use his strength to get in the lane and a 3-point shooter with a knack for hitting big shots at crunch time. Parker's ability to run pick-and-roll with Duncan is often a key to San Antonio's attack. But he might have a hard time shooting over the Wallaces when he does get in the lane. Parker also has a tendency to go AWOL at times and stand out by the 3-point line, especially when Ginobili and Duncan are initiating the offense. Parker must stay aggressive and knock down open shots when they come his way. Billups is more well-rounded and steady for the Pistons. He does the little things, like grabbing key rebounds or knocking down free throws. His job will be to stay in front of Parker as much as possible on defense, and make good decisions on offense. Billups at times can get sloppy with the ball and drive his coach to distraction, but his ability to rise up in the clutch rates him the slight edge here.
Edge: Pistons
Bench
Robert Horry has won more titles (five) than any current player.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Spurs reserves Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Glenn Robinson, Rasho Nesterovic, Devin Brown, Beno Udrih and Tony Massenburg form one of the NBA's best benches. They give coach Gregg Popovich a little of everything. Horry, a 6-9 power forward, is a big-time shot-maker and all-around hustle guy who has a knack for making plays. With five NBA title rings from his days with the Rockets and Lakers, he knows what it takes to win on the Finals stage. Barry and Robinson are veteran scorers who can shoot over defenses and make the Pistons pay for swarming Duncan. Nesterovic hasn't played much in these playoffs since losing his starting job to Mohammed late in the season, but the 7-foot veteran is a good team defender who provides quality depth in the frontcourt. The Pistons counter with a unit of Antonio McDyess, Carlos Arroyo, Lindsey Hunter, Elden Campbell, Ronald Dupree, Darvin Ham and Darko Milicic. McDyess, a 6-9 power forward, gives Detroit an active big man who can stick the open jumper and work the low post. He also will be called on at times to defend Duncan, especially if Rasheed gets in foul trouble. With the Pistons bench otherwise thin, McDyess must come up big in this series. He suffered a hyperextended knee against the Heat in Game 7, but he appears to be OK. Arroyo and Hunter provide solid backcourt depth, with Hunter's ability to pressure the ball and defend a big asset for Detroit, but in this series they're going to need to hit some open shots.
Edge: Spurs
Coach
John W. McDonough/SI
Don't expect any sniping between the coaches at this year's Finals. Unlike last year, when Larry Brown traded barbs with Phil Jackson, the Pistons coach has only love for Popovich. The two are good friends who speak by phone regularly during the season. Brown gave Popovich his NBA start by hiring him as an assistant on his Spurs staff many years ago, and Popovich was best man at Brown's wedding. They also happen to be two of the best coaches in the game, with similar philosophies about defense and sharing the ball. Their teams are practically mirror images. Brown (2001) and Popovich ('03) each has won Coach of the Year, so it's not as if they don't know their Xs and Os. Brown, 64, has more experience building teams but Popovich, 56, has been with his Spurs longer and knows his team well. Both coaches will have their teams prepared and won't be surprised by anything that happens. They will make adjustments on the fly, preach transition defense, and sharing the ball. It's hard to see either coach gaining an edge in this matchup.
Edge: Even
X-Factor
Antonio McDyess leads a Pistons bench that in many respects is a shell of last year's incarnation.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Keep an eye on Barry. The 6-6 veteran swingman signed with the Spurs last summer as a free agent in large part for the chance to win an NBA ring. Though he struggled much of the season, he looks to be finding a rhythm in the playoffs. He hit a couple big shots against the Sonics in the conference semifinals and then followed by making 11-of-20 3-pointers against the Suns in the conference finals. With points at a premium against the tough Pistons D, Barry's ability to shoot and pass could be critical. For the Pistons, McDyess could be the key. Like Barry, the veteran forward has waited a long time for a chance to play for an NBA title. He must provide some needed scoring off the bench, even more so considering Detroit's otherwise thin reserve corps. McDyess also must provide some quality defense on Duncan and Horry to give the Wallaces a breather.
Edge: Spurs
Intangibles
There's nary an offensive star that Bruce Bowen hasn't frustrated to distraction with his tight defense.
Chris Birck/NBAE via Getty Images
With a 12-4 mark in the playoffs, including an impressive five-game romp over the Suns, the Spurs are brimming with confidence. They also should be healthy and well-rested after having seven days off since dispatching Phoenix. Throw in the fact they have home-court advantage (they are a league-best 44-5 record at SBC Center this season) and San Antonio would seem to be in fine shape. The Pistons, meanwhile, have been a bit shakier (12-6) through much of the postseason and still might be a bit distracted by all the talk over Brown's uncertain future. Detroit showed its championship mettle by winning Game 7 at Miami, but it probably can't afford to fall behind in this series against a team like the Spurs. The Pistons do have exceptional mental toughness, but that edge might be mitigated somewhat here since the Spurs won a title themselves just two years ago.
Edge: Spurs
Bottom Line
The Pistons have a slightly better starting five, and a burning desire to cement their place in history with a second straight NBA title. But Tim Duncan is a bigger two-way force than a hobbled Shaq, and Manu Ginobili is as dangerous as Dwyane Wade. With home-court advantage, San Antonio will be too tough to beat.
Spurs in 6
..i thought Rasho shld go against Big Ben.:rolleyes