Kobe Bryant Vs. Manu Ginobili and the Most Exciting Possible West Playoff Matchup
The NBA playoffs are rapidly approaching, and teams are gearing up for that final push for postseason position.
I recently previewed the sexiest potential matchups between franchises, but incredible individual battles can be just as captivating. If stars who play the same position square off, you can expect fireworks, not only to determine which team advances, but also for pride and legacy.
For example, in the 1995 Western Conference Finals Hakeem Olajuwon destroyed league MVP David Robinson (though the Admiral did still average 24 and 11 in the series) en route to a second Rockets championship.
With the league boasting an insane amount of talent, this postseason should feature some epic mano-a-mano contests. Here we discuss the most exciting possible playoff matchups in the Western Conference.
Tim Duncan Vs. Dirk Nowitzki
1 of 10
Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki have been the premier Western Conference power forwards for the past decade, and both can stake claim to certain "best of all time" titles. Of course it's arguable, but I contend that Duncan is the top PF in league history, while Dirk is the NBA's finest foreign player.
Both have captured MVP awards, but the Big Fundamental has won 4 titles, as compared to Nowitzki's goose egg. Dirk had his shot back in 2006 against the Miami Heat but was unable to overcome Dwyane Wade (and the referees).
This might be the last chance for each to take home a ring, and they could very well meet in the conference finals.
Although Duncan's statistics are way down, he is intentionally playing the fewest minutes of his career in order to keep him fresh for the postseason. Moreover, the Spurs have displayed unparalleled balance, depth, and consistency during their 51-2 start, allowing Duncan to not carry a heavy burden. No one should doubt his ability to play at a characteristically high level once the playoffs start
On the other hand, Dirk would probably be in the MVP discussion if not for his injury earlier this year. He is averaging 23 and 7 - rebounding less because Tyson Chandler has been a beast - and shooting a career best 53% FG and 43% 3-point.
Each possesses specific skills that make this matchup tough. Dirk can't handle Duncan in the post, but the Spurs star has trouble containing the Mavs stud on the perimeter.
They have had intense battles in the past, and an encounter this season would be no exception.
Kobe Bryant Vs. Manu Ginobili
2 of 10
Watching the recent Lakers-Spurs tilt, you got the sense that Kobe Bryant and Manu Ginobili probably aren't going to brunch anytime soon. To say they dislike one another might be an understatement.
Both Kobe and Manu have the tendency to get under opponents' skin. They are known trash talkers and complainers, and Ginobili can get a little overly physical and/or floppy.
Not only that, but they are the catalysts for two of the West's best squads. Kobe is, well, Kobe, and Manu has fully embraced his starting role and looks as explosive as ever. Both have the rare ability to take over games, such a crucial trait in the playoffs.
Obviously, a Western Conference Finals between Los Angeles and San Antonio, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line, would be about more than just these two stars. Still, the spotlight would shine brightest on this matchup, the outcome of which might determine the fate of the respective teams.
Kevin Durant Vs. Ron Artest
3 of 10
Recipe for an outstanding individual playoff matchup:
1 leading scorer in the league.
1 top-notch perimeter defender with a pinch of crazy.
1 franchise that has won back-to-back titles.
1 franchise that is projected to take the crown sooner or later.
2 teams that engaged in a fierce postseason fight last year.
Tasty, no?
In last year's clash, Ron Artest held Kevin Durant to miserable 35 percent shooting, forcing him to work extremely hard for his buckets. Durant's game keeps growing, though, and Artest keeps getting older, so the Thunder small forward should be more effective this time around.
However, Artest relishes his chances to shut down the league's preeminent scorers, and his physical play can mitigate KD's quickness advantage.
Chris Paul Vs. Russell Westbrook
4 of 10
Simply put, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook are two of the greatest point guards in the league today. Their games are very different though.
CP3 is the ultimate floor general. He runs his team with deftness and aplomb, always making the right decision, and elevates the play of the guys around him. Injuries have sapped Paul of some of his athleticism, but his ball handling and passing skills are nonpareil.
Westbrook is an explosive, dynamic athlete whose physical gifts and attacking mentality terrorize opposing squads. He is almost unstoppable on his forays to the rim, and he possesses the full range of floaters, runners, leaners, pull-ups, and acrobatic finishes. While his decision making is still suspect at times, he is constantly improving in that regard.
There is a chance New Orleans and Oklahoma City meet in opening round of the postseason. If so, can Paul, who is underrated defensively, check Westbrook? Or vice versa, can Westbrook contain Paul?
Zach Randolph Vs. Tim Duncan
5 of 10
Zach Randolph is a monster, plain and simple. With the body of an SUV, he is such a load in the paint, a matchup nightmare for most opposing big men.
And when he's playing for a contract - he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer - watch out.
Despite San Antonio's plethora of proficient post defenders, Z-Bo has been particularly beastly against them. This season he has averaged 23 and 16 against the Spurs, and he has been dominant on the glass to the tune of eight offensive boards per game.
Meanwhile, Duncan has made 8 All-Defensive First Teams and will surely crank up the D in the playoffs.
Watching the emotional Randolph throw his weight around against the phlegmatic Duncan in a probable first round series will be treat to watch. If Z-Bo can steal a game or two himself from the vastly superior Spurs, that would be impressive.
Dirk Nowitzki Vs. Pau Gasol
6 of 10
Nowitzki and Pau Gasol are the best Europeans in the NBA today, and they boast the most diverse skill sets of any big men.
Dirk is a dangerous scorer from all over the court. He has a refined high post game and a deadly 3-point jumper, and his ability to get to the rim is under-appreciated. With his length, few defenders can challenge, let alone bother, his shots.
Gasol has a splendid array of post moves, especially jump hooks with either hand, and a consistent mid-range jumper. He also has superior passing ability, prodigious basketball IQ, and some of the softest hands in the league.
Though neither is known for defense, Nowitzki and Gasol are nearly identical size-wise and athletically, creating the potential for a great matchup in the conference semifinals.
Tony Parker Vs. Chris Paul
7 of 10
When discussing the great point guards in the league, Tony Parker is almost invariably forgotten. He is rarely mentioned as being in the same class as Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo or Russell Westbrook.
In fact, the drama surrounding Parker's affair with Brent Barry's wife was the most attention he's received since he originally started dating Eva Longoria. You could even argue that Parker's qualities have been debated more often on TMZ than on ESPN.
It's really amazing how he continues to fly under the radar. Just look at some of the numbers:
3x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, 3x All-Star. His career field goal shooting percentage of 49 is ridiculous for a point guard. This season he's averaging 17 points and 7 assists for a Spurs team running away with the West.
Perhaps it's due to the fact that Parker is overshadowed by Duncan and Manu Ginobili, but it's high time he receive appropriate recognition.
Chris Paul has actually had a quiet season by his standards, as well, with both his scoring and assist numbers down, and he has not received absurd media exposure like Rose, Williams, Rondo or Westbrook.
Still, those in NBA circles do not downplay his contributions, as he has taken an otherwise mediocre New Orleans Hornets squad to a 37-29 record.
A matchup between Parker and Paul, which is possible in the opening round, may not produce the same highlights of a Rose-Westbrook encounter, but it will provide excellent point guard play.
Kendrick Perkins Vs. Andrew Bynum
8 of 10
Kendrick Perkins and Andrew Bynum know each other all too well from Perk's time with the Boston Celtics, and it's safe to say that they aren't the best of friends.
Around the league, Perkins is viewed not only as a tenacious post defender, but also as a bully and/or thug. He is often unnecessarily physical, and while everyone would love having him in the trenches with them, he has rubbed most opponents the wrong way.
The Thunder traded for Perkins expressly to combat the size, strength, length, and interior scoring of other Western contenders, most notably the Lakers, who previously held an enormous inside advantage over OKC.
If the Thunder run into the Lakers this postseason, Perkins is going to need to neutralize Bynum in order for them to advance. Though the young LA center hasn't been scoring consistently, he has recently started rebounding like an animal, averaging 11.6 boards over his past seven games.
LaMarcus Aldridge Vs. Duncan/Nowitzki/Gasol
9 of 10
After Brandon Roy's knees gave out, few pundits thought the Portland Trail Blazers would be a factor in the West. However, the emergence of LaMarcus Aldridge has proved otherwise.
Aldridge has put the team on his back, displaying never-before-seen killer instinct, toughness, strength and willpower. He has always been a solid player, but recently he has become great. It could be attributed to his All-Star snub, which has caused him to play with a chip on his shoulder.
In 2011, he is putting up 25.6 points per game, to go along with 9.6 boards.
In the playoffs, Aldridge will try to prove that he is a superstar, that he is a leader, that he can be the offensive focal point of a contender, that he can hang with the elite power forwards out west.
He should get his opportunity in round 1, when he will most likely face Duncan, Nowitzki or Gasol, established stars and winners.
And don't expect those three to permit Aldridge to show them up. They will want to put the uppity youngster in his place.
Kobe Bryant Vs. Wesley Matthews/Gerald Wallace/Arron Afflalo
10 of 10
Although Kobe's offensive game is uniquely complete and multifaceted, there remain several defenders that routinely cause him problems. Wesley Matthews, Gerald Wallace and Arron Afflalo are three guys that fit the bill.
They are all pesky, persistent, tough, physical players that get all up in Kobe's shorts and force him to expend tons of effort just to get to his spots, not to mention find open looks.
Moreover, they manage to worm their way into Kobe's head. Against these defenders, Kobe goes into "I know I'm better than them, so why is this difficult? I must prove that I'm the best" mode. Then Kobe starts playing one on one instead of running the triangle, which is disadvantageous for the Lakers.
Neither Portland nor Denver has enough talent to knock off the Lakers in a 7-game series, but these matchups would certainly make things interesting.
.png?w=600 "New Mock with Lottery Odds Locked In 🔮")
