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The likelihood of this happening every time LeBron attacks the rim is completely far-fetched, but it may occur more often than you would expect. Of course, LeBron, being the kind of player he is, would adapt and find a new way to score.
The Nuggets will be okay with LeBron scoring, but they know they will be in for it if 'Bron begins to dish. In Game One of the Eastern Conference Semis James had 22 points at halftime in an inspired effort, but the offense seemed stagnant. His teammates were statues.
Against a smarter team like Denver, the Nuggets will be able to trap James, force the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his uninvolved teammates.
The Nuggets forced LeBron into 11 turnovers in two games. He got to the line only 12 times, well below his average of nine per game.
In order to foil this strategy, James will have to dish early and often.
As for Martin, he must use his length and strength to beat LeBron on offense. He may have to adjust to playing with his back to the basket. K-Mart's go-to move—a crossover to his left en route to a sweeping floater—has become far too predictable. If Dirk were a better defender he would be taking them back.
Against LeBron that may very well happen, so Kenyon must be resourceful with his movements.
This match-up goes to LeBron.
Nene vs. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Nene has the mobility, agility, and athleticism to completely dominate Ilgauskas as he has against the stronger Erick Dampier in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Nene has scored 24 and 25 in the semis, and if he keeps setting new postseason career highs the Cavs' can expect a real battle.Ilgauskas, much slower, can be lethal from mid-range. But Z has seemingly lost the touch in the playoffs. He went two-of-nine against Atlanta in Game One and three-of-six in the next game. For the postseason, Ilgauskas is shooting only 41.6 percent, 25-of-60, down six percentage points from his regular-season average of 47.2.
Where Z can really help Cleveland is on the boards and by not allowing the quicker Nene to get the first step off the dribble or get favorable position.
However, I still give the advantage to Nene.
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