tmtcsc
06-06-2013, 03:34 PM
I think we can all agree that no matter what amount of energy is expended trying to guard Lebron James, the guy is going to get his. Unlike players such as Kevin Durant, Melo and Curry, James can hurt you in different ways. He predicates his game on being well-rounded and contributing in several categories. You can almost lock him in for 25-8-8 and a couple of steals. -- No matter what type of defense you throw at him or how you choose to guard him. The best option is to cut off his drives and give him the jumper. Not because his jumper is bad but because his drives to the basket are nearly unstoppable without fouling him.
So....do you put your best defender on him or do you make sure no one else steps up and hurts you? Here's what I anticipate the pairings to look like:
Leonard - James
Parker - Chalmers
Splitter - Bosh
Duncan - Haslem
Green - Wade
I think Spiltter needs to guard Bosh. He isn't as good a defender as Duncan but he's more mobile and can close out hard when necessary. Bosh has been a huge key to beating the Spurs in the past and if we can cut him off or hold him to 12 pts, we'll make it very difficult for the Heat.
Wade isn't 100% and can be defended. The other key will be to stay with Mike Miller and Battier when they get their minutes. Both of those guys have had career games against us. I think its because the defense didn't respect them enough. Mike Miller's 3 pt fg % against us ranks in the ridiculous.
As for Battier - That smart little bitch has payback coming to him from the Memphis series 2 years ago.
Chalmers, Wade and Cole don't come anywhere near posing the same threat the Splash brothers gave us. If we play the same D we did in the last 2 series, Miami is going to be counting on James to do a lot, including scoring more. That's not his preference, as crazy as that sounds, and it tends to frustrate him.
One thing is for certain, two years ago Dallas killed Miami by playing a lot of zone. I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs go that route at some point too.
So....do you put your best defender on him or do you make sure no one else steps up and hurts you? Here's what I anticipate the pairings to look like:
Leonard - James
Parker - Chalmers
Splitter - Bosh
Duncan - Haslem
Green - Wade
I think Spiltter needs to guard Bosh. He isn't as good a defender as Duncan but he's more mobile and can close out hard when necessary. Bosh has been a huge key to beating the Spurs in the past and if we can cut him off or hold him to 12 pts, we'll make it very difficult for the Heat.
Wade isn't 100% and can be defended. The other key will be to stay with Mike Miller and Battier when they get their minutes. Both of those guys have had career games against us. I think its because the defense didn't respect them enough. Mike Miller's 3 pt fg % against us ranks in the ridiculous.
As for Battier - That smart little bitch has payback coming to him from the Memphis series 2 years ago.
Chalmers, Wade and Cole don't come anywhere near posing the same threat the Splash brothers gave us. If we play the same D we did in the last 2 series, Miami is going to be counting on James to do a lot, including scoring more. That's not his preference, as crazy as that sounds, and it tends to frustrate him.
One thing is for certain, two years ago Dallas killed Miami by playing a lot of zone. I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs go that route at some point too.