MySA: Keys To Victory And Series Breakdown

[duncan228]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....c19c4611.html

Spurs' keys to victory
San Antonio Express-News

Be experienced, not old

With a roster boasting more 30-somethings than the cast of “Thirtysomething,” the Spurs are the oldest team in the NBA. They also have the most playoff experience. So use it.

The Spurs know how to win when the going gets tough. The Hornets, ostensibly, do not. New Orleans’ roster boasts 152 combined games of playoff experience — 81 fewer than Robert Horry.

It will be interesting to see how the Hornets react if and when they face postseason adversity.

Win the point guard battle

Tony Parker and Chris Paul are two of the best point guards in the NBA. Neither can afford to let the other run amok.

Both teams’ offenses are at their best when their point guards are pushing the pace and getting into the paint.

Parker, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, averaged 29.6 points and seven assists in the first round. Paul, a leading candidate for regular-season MVP honors, averaged 24.6 and 12.

Whichever team does the best job of handling the other’s point man has the best chance of winning the series.

Get a body on Chandler

The Spurs did a decent job of rebounding against a decent-rebounding Phoenix team. Now, the ante has been raised.

New Orleans’ Tyson Chandler was fourth in the NBA this season in rebounds per game (11.7) and first in offensive rebounds (4.1).

One thing the Spurs don’t need is to give Paul additional chances to pick them apart.


http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b....c1a18355.html

Spurs vs. Hornets breakdown
San Antonio Express-News

Season series: Tied 2-2

Last meeting: Hornets won 100-75 on March 12 in New Orleans

Key matchup: Tim Duncan vs. David West. True, the hype will focus on Tony Parker vs. Chris Paul, but in the Hornets’ two regular-season victories, West scored 32 and 29. He gets weak-side help from Tyson Chandler defending Duncan, too, but Duncan’s production will be vital in this series.

Hornets can win if: Chris Paul makes Tony Parker look older than 25. Paul is one of the few point guards in the league quick enough to stay in front of Parker on defense. If Parker can’t get in the paint, the Spurs’ offense stagnates.

Spurs can win if: Manu Ginobili reminds everyone the Spurs have a Big Three. In their victory over the Hornets on Feb. 23 he had 30 points and 12 assists. If he approximates those numbers in at least two games in this series, the Spurs advance.

Prediction: Spurs in 6

- Mike Monroe

[greens]

Thanks for posting!

The problem I see is that Manu is not 100%. And this article seems to say that he's the X-factor. And also he did get the 30 pts and 12 assists in their win over Hornets.