Okay, so after a pretty dull Game 7 (but overall exciting ECF), we are approaching the final stage. With a rematch between Lebron and Duncan & Co. looming ahead, specific match-ups must be broken down. Let's start...
PG Match-Up
Tony Parker against Mario Chalmers. In the conference finals, Parker's averages were 24.5 ppg and 9.5 apg. On the flipside, Chalmers' averages were 11.3 ppg and 2.7 apg. Obviously Parker is the main option for his team while Chalmers is a role player. Still, this match-up warrants consideration.
Against Memphis, Parker continuously found a way to get into the lane and create for both himself and his teammates. His lightening quick step and array of floaters and runners enable him to score among the trees. Parker is one of the few pg's (maybe the only pg) in the league that can consistently score in the paint without relying on explosive leaping ability. This makes him a huge threat, as he won't get as tired and can still get high percentage shots off in the lane. Parker's quickness will frustrate Chalmers, and I anticipate that the Heat guard will be in some foul trouble. Look for Norris Cole to play a lot more.
On the other hand, Chalmers is a great spot-up shooter and can occasionally finish in the lane. Chalmers will benefit the Heat by keeping Parker honest at the 3-pt line. Chalmers will definitely have his hands full matching up with Parker on defense. As a result, Chalmers should look to tire out Parker as much as possible. At age 27, Chalmers has much younger and fresher legs. On offense, he should look to run around the 3-pt line often and circle around screens to keep Parker moving. When the opportunity presents itself, Chalmers should attack Parker and try and draw the superstar into foul trouble.
Bottom Line: Easy decision to give the Spurs the advantage at pg. Still, Chalmers can play some solid D and can still shoot the rock. Match-up will be closer than people think.
Advantage: Spurs
Alec Matys and Adam Chen Sports Blog
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Game 7: Keys for the Miami Heat
Big game tonight. Win or go home. Clearly the momentum is on the Pacers' side. So, what should the Heat do to win?
Keys to the game:
1. Rebounds!!!!
It's not secret that the Heat are getting crushed on the boards. David West, Roy Hibbert, Ian Mahimi and Tyler Hansborough are just getting too many rebounds. So, with that being said, the Heat bigs are going to have to play tough. Birdman's return should help. Bosh needs to grow a pair. Lebron, Haslem, and all of the wings need to all box out and help out on the glass.
2. Ball Movement
When the Heat move the ball from side to side, good things happen. It's obvious that during the Heat losses, ball movement has been nonexistent. With Ray Allen, Wade, and Battier cold from the outside, Indiana is packing the paint. In order to combat this, Lebron has to start posting more. Even if he doesn't score, he has to continue to attack and force double teams. Only then will the Heat shooters be able to get open looks (and hopefully knock them down).
3. Defense
Now when I say defense, I'm not simply talking about double-teaming the bigs or not getting beat off of the dribble. Specifically, I'm identifying the Heat's pick-and-roll defense. So far in the series, the Heat have been aggressively trapping pick-and-rolls. They want to force the guards outside and disrupt the offense of the pacers. However, whats happening is that the guards are getting rid of the ball quickly to slipping bigs. As a result, instead of forcing the Pacers' guards to beat them, the Heat are allowing the big men to beat them. Also, the slip forces the Heat to rotate, which then causes all kinds of problems. A better way to play the screen-and-roll is to go underneath picks. Sure, the guards are solid shooters, but I'll live with an outside shot than a Roy Hibbert hook shot any day.
Keys to the game:
1. Rebounds!!!!
It's not secret that the Heat are getting crushed on the boards. David West, Roy Hibbert, Ian Mahimi and Tyler Hansborough are just getting too many rebounds. So, with that being said, the Heat bigs are going to have to play tough. Birdman's return should help. Bosh needs to grow a pair. Lebron, Haslem, and all of the wings need to all box out and help out on the glass.
2. Ball Movement
When the Heat move the ball from side to side, good things happen. It's obvious that during the Heat losses, ball movement has been nonexistent. With Ray Allen, Wade, and Battier cold from the outside, Indiana is packing the paint. In order to combat this, Lebron has to start posting more. Even if he doesn't score, he has to continue to attack and force double teams. Only then will the Heat shooters be able to get open looks (and hopefully knock them down).
3. Defense
Now when I say defense, I'm not simply talking about double-teaming the bigs or not getting beat off of the dribble. Specifically, I'm identifying the Heat's pick-and-roll defense. So far in the series, the Heat have been aggressively trapping pick-and-rolls. They want to force the guards outside and disrupt the offense of the pacers. However, whats happening is that the guards are getting rid of the ball quickly to slipping bigs. As a result, instead of forcing the Pacers' guards to beat them, the Heat are allowing the big men to beat them. Also, the slip forces the Heat to rotate, which then causes all kinds of problems. A better way to play the screen-and-roll is to go underneath picks. Sure, the guards are solid shooters, but I'll live with an outside shot than a Roy Hibbert hook shot any day.
What's Up! My Name is Adam Chen
Hey everyone! I’m Adam Chen and I’m an economics-finance
major at Bentley University. I’m crazy about sports and will constantly be
posting blogs on basketball and football at both the collegiate and pro levels.
Unlike my good pal Alec, I don’t play any college sports. I guess you could
call me a weekend warrior. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the blog!
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