Why Is Nobody Talking About Orlando's Rashard Lewis?
It's widely accepted Kevin Garnett will dominate his match-up with Rashard Lewis. KG might get the best of Orlando's three-point assassin, but it won't be by much.
We saw Garnett's strength's in the last series, now we'll get to see some of his weaknesses. Surprisingly, nobody seems to be noticing what “Sweet Lew” accomplished in the first two series of the playoffs.
Start with the statistics. Regular season, Lewis shot for forty-three per cent from the field. Against the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks, he has raised his field-goal percentage to almost fifty-six per cent.
The improvement continues, with higher playoff averages in both points and rebounds per game.
His numbers overall don't stand out, but neither does his team. Lewis' value to the Magic can be felt on the floor. An expanded individual offense-- by going back to his strong post-game, makes Lewis a very dangerous player.
He created even more value by stiffening up defensively, against some very good players in Josh Smith and Gerald Wallace. Though both players got theirs, neither player ever hurt the Magic in crucial periods.
Also remember, Howard spent much of his time on the bench in that series. Lewis defended well without his usual Superman safety net.
When the Magic needed points, Lewis stepped in when needed-- either with the jumper or a hard drive in the paint.
With the addition of Vince Carter, and the return of Jameer Nelson from injury, Lewis found a way to adjust his role. He accepted, by his own admission, that the ball had to be shared.
In terms of the Eastern Conference Finals, Lewis will carry his own. Garnett will not run away with this match-up.
Since Howard goes by Superman, lets stick with the theme and call Lewis Mr. Stretch. Lewis' versatility forces Garnett to have to defend much further away from the basket. When out in open space, Lewis possesses the quickness advantage.
The less time KG spends in the paint, gives Magic center Dwight Howard more one-on-one opportunities. Perkins will shoulder a heavy load in those situations.
Yes Boston, we know how effective a weapon KG's jumper can be. You will quickly learn the cold blooded nature of a Lewis three. Those threes often times come in bunches.
Offensively as a team, Orlando's ball movement creates potential problems for the Celtics. The Big Three will be forced to cover lots of hardwood to prevent open jumpers. An open Lewis could lead to quick points.
Garnett will be pushed harder than any other point in this year's playoffs.
Head-to-head this season, Lewis lived up to the challenge. The Magic won three of four in the season series between the teams. Lewis scored from all over the floor, excluding the loss in which he only made five of fourteen.
So, don't count your clovers to quick Boston fans.
The Cleveland free pass for Garnett has expired.
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