How about that for pressure?
The Spurs will try to contain Chris Paul with the same approach that every other team has utilized. However, the Spurs may be the only team capable of pulling it off.
One of Paul's biggest assets is his extreme quickness. This was clearly seen in the Hornets-Mavericks series when Paul, time after time, blew past the aging Jason Kidd.
Paul was also able to use his speed to dart into the passing lanes, disrupting Kidd's ability to set up for his teammates.
Unlike Kidd, Tony Parker of the Spurs has the speed to stay in front of Paul. Even if Paul has penetrated past Parker, he will run into Tim Duncan patrolling the paint.
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The Spurs will probably try to limit Paul's penetration and force him to take outside shots. This may be problematic for the Hornets because in four games against the Spurs this season, Paul has only been shooting 18 percent from three-point range.
Much of the Hornets’ success this season was related to the development of Tyson Chandler as a force in the paint. Chandler will most likely be matched up against the Big Fundamental.
Duncan's defensive prowess will definitely limit Chandler's offensive capabilities. In the games between the Hornets and Spurs this season, Chandler shot 48 percent from the field. It was a huge drop from his 62 percent for the season.
Byron Scott may have coached in the NBA Finals before and may be the newly anointed Coach of the Year. However, Popovich's coaching ability is unmatched.
There are very few coaches better than Popovich at making in-game adjustments and adapting to different situations.
The biggest problem for the Hornets, though, is their bench or lack-thereof. The Hornets’ second unit is very limited and definitely has no one capable of matching up with Spurs super-sub Manu Ginobili.
The Spurs’ bench is one of the deepest and experienced in the entire league.
Chris Paul is a young superstar. Like Jordan before him, he will have to go through the defending champions if he wants to lead his team to the finals.
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3 months ago
Parker is unlikely to guard Paul. Popovich showed that in the Phoenix series. Just as he matched Bowen up with Nash, he will probably have Bowen hacking, holding, chucking, and generally fouling him at every opportunity...though, of course, he will not get called for those fouls since he is Bruce smurfing Bowen...
Of course, Paul, has a much different skill set from Nash so it remains to be seen how effective Bowen will be, but watch that match-up
3 months ago
Opinions on Bruce Bowen's defense aside, the buck should stop here for CP3 and the Hornets. They're roster is not deep and they do not have much in the way of playoff experienced players.
David West overachieved this year. Expect him to be shut down by Duncan, Thomas, and Oberto up front.
The Spurs will probably use a combination of Parker, Ginobili, and Bowen on CP3 depending on who is the game, foul trouble, and effectiveness. Bowen is a better defender away from the ball and when the player can no longer move than he is off the dribble, so he may not be the best man for the job. Parker might be a good initial match-up but the Spurs may not him to get worn out and be less effective offensively. Ginobili can keep up with him, but he is better off the ball as well. Maybe Jacques Vaughn and Parker will be on the floor at the same time to take some of the pressure off of Parker.
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