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.
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.
We're going to send you the most entertaining San Antonio Spurs articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete