Ariel
04-22-2006, 02:36 AM
Manu Ginóbili: "The only goal is to get the ring" (http://www.lanacion.com.ar/deportiva/nota.asp?nota_id=799580)
We're doing well in these moments prior to the start of the playoffs, watching videos, talking about our first opponent (Sacramento), and ready to get started on the real thing. I say that because the other story is of little importance, that which states we set the franchise record for the regular season with 63 wins. We have another great opportunity to win the title, and we don't want to let it go to waste. The only goal is to get another ring.
I believe that this season there are four title contenders: Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, and us. We have to see how events unfold, because this is a very special stage. In this first round we're facing a very unusual opponent, that has perimeter players capable of posting up and make a difference in the paint, while at the same time they have big guys that can go to the perimeter and shoot well. Besides, Sacramento has a great weapon in Mike Bibby and a very strong home crowd, where they've proven throughout time to do better.
Another aspect to consider will be Ron Artest's contribution, a very tough player to guard because he is very big and he can post up. Bruce Bowen can guard him, but if Artest gets to the paint we'll have to help him appropriately.
We have to defend well and, on offense, pass the ball as we know. The good thing is, Tim (Duncan) is regaining his best form, and a time is coming where we'll all be more motivated and determined.
Regarding the rest of the series, it's not very wise to get into a thorough analysis because in the playoffs everything is relative, a win or a loss can alter the course of a series. I'll write what I saw from each team in the regular season.
In the East it seems to me that the most evenly matched series might be Cleveland vs. Washington, and possibly the most unbalanced is Detroit vs. Milwaukee. Although Milwaukee has improved from last season, I believe only New Jersey, or maybe Miami, can give Detroit some problems.
That's why I also think New Jersey will beat Indiana. With the dominance Jason Kidd imposes, and the contribution of Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter, they can take on the Pacers. The Nets are more experienced in these situations.
Between Miami and Chicago, I believe Miami to be the favorite because they have more decisive players (Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade), though they lack shooters. Chicago exhibits the virtue of not giving anything away; they can be down for 15 or 20 points and still come back and win. They're a young and very feisty team.
In the West, Dallas can beat Memphis because they have a strong at home court and a good team, but Memphis shouldn't be underestimated: they have a strong starting five and Pau Gasol and Mike Miller's difference making ability.
Phoenix has a better team and more alternatives than the Lakers and should win the series, though Kobe Bryant is capable of winning a game all by himself. And the most evenly matched series will be that of Denver and the Clippers. You have to keep in mind that the Clippers have home court advantage. Denver has good players and they play a very up-tempo and physical game, but the Clippers, though lacking playoff experience as a franchise, do have players that know what it takes, such as Sam Cassell and Elton Brand. I believe the Clippers to be a bit more talented.
The playoffs start and everything changes; it's a different story, as I said in the beginning.
We're doing well in these moments prior to the start of the playoffs, watching videos, talking about our first opponent (Sacramento), and ready to get started on the real thing. I say that because the other story is of little importance, that which states we set the franchise record for the regular season with 63 wins. We have another great opportunity to win the title, and we don't want to let it go to waste. The only goal is to get another ring.
I believe that this season there are four title contenders: Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, and us. We have to see how events unfold, because this is a very special stage. In this first round we're facing a very unusual opponent, that has perimeter players capable of posting up and make a difference in the paint, while at the same time they have big guys that can go to the perimeter and shoot well. Besides, Sacramento has a great weapon in Mike Bibby and a very strong home crowd, where they've proven throughout time to do better.
Another aspect to consider will be Ron Artest's contribution, a very tough player to guard because he is very big and he can post up. Bruce Bowen can guard him, but if Artest gets to the paint we'll have to help him appropriately.
We have to defend well and, on offense, pass the ball as we know. The good thing is, Tim (Duncan) is regaining his best form, and a time is coming where we'll all be more motivated and determined.
Regarding the rest of the series, it's not very wise to get into a thorough analysis because in the playoffs everything is relative, a win or a loss can alter the course of a series. I'll write what I saw from each team in the regular season.
In the East it seems to me that the most evenly matched series might be Cleveland vs. Washington, and possibly the most unbalanced is Detroit vs. Milwaukee. Although Milwaukee has improved from last season, I believe only New Jersey, or maybe Miami, can give Detroit some problems.
That's why I also think New Jersey will beat Indiana. With the dominance Jason Kidd imposes, and the contribution of Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter, they can take on the Pacers. The Nets are more experienced in these situations.
Between Miami and Chicago, I believe Miami to be the favorite because they have more decisive players (Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade), though they lack shooters. Chicago exhibits the virtue of not giving anything away; they can be down for 15 or 20 points and still come back and win. They're a young and very feisty team.
In the West, Dallas can beat Memphis because they have a strong at home court and a good team, but Memphis shouldn't be underestimated: they have a strong starting five and Pau Gasol and Mike Miller's difference making ability.
Phoenix has a better team and more alternatives than the Lakers and should win the series, though Kobe Bryant is capable of winning a game all by himself. And the most evenly matched series will be that of Denver and the Clippers. You have to keep in mind that the Clippers have home court advantage. Denver has good players and they play a very up-tempo and physical game, but the Clippers, though lacking playoff experience as a franchise, do have players that know what it takes, such as Sam Cassell and Elton Brand. I believe the Clippers to be a bit more talented.
The playoffs start and everything changes; it's a different story, as I said in the beginning.