GSH
06-03-2007, 03:22 AM
The Cavs have more going for them as a team than some people are giving them credit for. LeBron James' talent goes without saying. Ilgauskas is a respectable 7'3" center who puts up consistent numbers. They have a coach who learned about defense under Greg Popovich. They have held their opponents to the lowest 3P percentage in the league this year. They pulled down the most offensive rebounds in the league, and the second most total rebounds in the league. And right now they are confident, and riding a huge emotional wave.
The Spurs are, without question, the better team. But Cleveland is capable of stealing a game on any given night. If Tim got in early foul trouble, they could win another one. There are a few things that I think the Spurs need to do to avoid any nasty surprises.
1. Contain Gooden and Pavlovic. Both of those guys can put up some numbers on any given night. The Cavs need point support from someone other than James and Ilgauskas. They aren't likely to get 28 from Gibson again. Don't let Gooden and Pavlovic find any shooting rhythm.
2. Attack Ilgauskas and Varejao in the paint. No secret they are going to harass the shit out of Tim Duncan. Neither one of those guys are exceptional shot blockers. Force them to spend some fouls on our guards. Varejao, in particular, is foul prone. Make sure he has fewer fouls to spend hacking Tim, and trying to suck out offensive fouls.
3. Win the assist battle. The Spurs are going to struggle to match the Cavs on the boards, but have a big advantage in assists and field goal percentage. Movement without the ball, and taking the extra pass will force the Cavs to work harder on defense, and give them fewer missed shots to rebound.
I don't think ther is any way to keep LeBron from getting his points, no matter who is guarding him, if he is in the zone. The rest of the team can be handled...but the Spurs can't get caught napping. I think the Cavs are a better team than they were in January, too.
The Spurs are, without question, the better team. But Cleveland is capable of stealing a game on any given night. If Tim got in early foul trouble, they could win another one. There are a few things that I think the Spurs need to do to avoid any nasty surprises.
1. Contain Gooden and Pavlovic. Both of those guys can put up some numbers on any given night. The Cavs need point support from someone other than James and Ilgauskas. They aren't likely to get 28 from Gibson again. Don't let Gooden and Pavlovic find any shooting rhythm.
2. Attack Ilgauskas and Varejao in the paint. No secret they are going to harass the shit out of Tim Duncan. Neither one of those guys are exceptional shot blockers. Force them to spend some fouls on our guards. Varejao, in particular, is foul prone. Make sure he has fewer fouls to spend hacking Tim, and trying to suck out offensive fouls.
3. Win the assist battle. The Spurs are going to struggle to match the Cavs on the boards, but have a big advantage in assists and field goal percentage. Movement without the ball, and taking the extra pass will force the Cavs to work harder on defense, and give them fewer missed shots to rebound.
I don't think ther is any way to keep LeBron from getting his points, no matter who is guarding him, if he is in the zone. The rest of the team can be handled...but the Spurs can't get caught napping. I think the Cavs are a better team than they were in January, too.