2011 NBA Playoffs: The Most Important Matchup in Each First Round Series
The NBA playoffs are about matchups, and the team that exploits a mismatch best usually wins the series.
The playoff generally have more halfcourt, slower-paced games than the regular season.
One of the reasons for this is because each possession is so important that you must be careful and execute to perfection.
This year’s first round is full of great matchups between certain players and coaches.
Carmelo Anthony vs. Paul Pierce, Russell Westbrook vs. Raymond Felton, and Dirk Nowtizki vs. LaMarcus Aldridge are just a few exciting matchups to look forward to, and each will be crucial in determining the winner of each series.
Whether its youth vs. experience, or two players who play similar roles, certain matchups are the difference between winning a series and losing one.
Now let’s look at the 10 most important matchups in the first round that will have the greatest impact on determining the winner of each series.
Celtics vs. Knicks: Rajon Rondo vs. Chauncey Billups
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One of the most exciting first round series this season is the New York Knicks versus the Boston Celtics.
Not only is the New York-Boston rivalry a role in this series, but both teams have their own superstar trios who can win games by themselves any night.
The battle between Rondo and Billups is important for a number of reasons.
The Celtics offense goes how Rondo goes. If he’s energetic and being aggressive while still getting Ray Allen and Paul Pierce involved, the Celtics are nearly unbeatable.
But if he’s walking the ball up the court and not being an active defender, the Celtics struggle mightily.
Billups is not quick enough to stay with Rondo, but he is an experienced player who is a former NBA Finals MVP, and his hit many pressure playoff shots in his career.
If Billups can slow Rondo down, the Knicks can win the series, but if Rondo has his way, the Celtics will steamroll over New York.
Rondo must use his quickness and energy to set the pace of the game to what Boston is comfortable running.
Bulls vs. Pacers: Derrick Rose vs. Darren Collison
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Derrick Rose has historically owned Darren Collison, but the playoffs are a different animal.
While the Bulls should have no trouble with the Pacers, each game may be much more competitive than you think.
Collison is a very good player, and has some excellent teammates to pass to.
If he can get superstar forward Danny Granger involved early, the Pacers will have a chance to steal a game or two.
Rose has to continue his improved defensive play against Collison, to stop him from setting up the Pacers offense.
If Rose can take control of the game and being a nightmare on the offensive end, the Bulls will breeze by Indiana with ease.
Heat vs. 76ers: LeBron James vs. Andre Iguodala
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LeBron James has been waiting for the playoffs all year, and his play in the next few months will determine the success of his season.
With all the people taking pleasure in each Heat loss, his supporters outside of South Beach will be few in number.
Against the 76ers, James will have to slow down Andre Iguodala, the most versatile part of the 76ers offense.
James is an excellent defensive player, and if he contains Iguodala, the 76ers will not play with the aggression and tempo they want. James knows Iguodala does not have as much help as he does, so containing Iguodala is not a worry for James.
James can focus on defense, and not worry about scoring so much because Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will score their usual share.
Iguodala’s offense has to be spectacular for Philadelphia not to be swept, but his defense needs to be much better.
Hawks vs. Magic: Joe Johnson vs. Jason Richardson
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Joe Johnson received a max contract from the Atlanta Hawks last summer to become the franchise’s highest paid player ever.
Although his career playoff performances did not warrant such a contract, he has another chance this season to justify his 100 plus million dollar deal.
Johnson will need to be spectacular offensively for the Hawks in the series, but he also needs to play very good defense.
His opponent at shooting guard, Jason Richardson, can score from anywhere on the court, and Johnson must slow him down for the Hawks to be successful.
Richardson is not a good defensive player, but if he can slow down Johnson and make his shots contested and difficult, then the Atlanta offense will struggle to score.
With the Hawks at a disadvantage against Magic center Dwight Howard, Johnson needs to be very efficient from the outside, and will need to make many three point shots.
Without another consistent offensive threat, Johnson must carry Atlanta to victory, and he cannot afford to struggle or the Hawks will bow out of the playoffs to the Magic yet again.
Lakers vs. Hornets: Derek Fisher vs. Chris Paul
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With David West injured for the New Orleans Hornets, point guard Chris Paul must shoulder an increased scoring burden.
Paul is everything to the Hornets offense, and while Lakers veteran guard Derek Fisher is much older and slower than Paul, if he can disrupt the young guard at all, the Lakers will sweep the series with ease.
Fisher is a decent outside shooter and a very good foul shooter, and any energy he can make Paul spend defending him is a huge bonus for Los Angeles.
If Fisher can frustrate Paul and throw him of his game, either mentally or physically, the Hornets will be in serious trouble.
Spurs vs. Grizzlies: Tim Duncan vs. Zach Randolph
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The Memphis Grizzlies have a great chance to upset the San Antonio Spurs.
The Grizzlies have a well rounded team, with many good guards and several quality big men
The battle at power forward between Spurs future hall of famer Tim Duncan and Grizzlies all-star Zach Randolph will be key to the outcome of the series.
Randolph is a tremendous rebounder and decent scorer, and while Duncan’s form has dipped in recent seasons, he can still be counted on in the playoffs.
If Duncan can contain Randolph on the boards and in the paint then Memphis will not win the series.
The Grizzlies need Randolph to dominate the paint with teammate Marc Gasol because they have enough quality guards to beat San Antonio, especially with Spurs guard Manu Ginobili hurt.
Randolph’s play will sway the series in Memphis’ favor if he plays well, and it’s up to Duncan to stop him.
Thunder vs. Nuggets: Russell Westbrook vs. Raymond Felton
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Raymond Felton has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and after being dealt to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster trade, he has continued his solid play with the Nuggets.
Felton will have to contain OKC point guard Russell Westbrook for the Nuggets to beat the Thunder.
While Nuggets guard Ty Lawson might defend Westbrook too, Felton will have to step up offensively and defensively for Denver.
Westbrook has become an offensive superstar this season, and he and teammate Kevin Durant have become one of the NBA’s best duos.
The Thunder have too much size for the Nuggets, so Felton will have to win the battle at point guard for Denver to have a chance at winning the series.
Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers: Dirk Nowitzki vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
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The Dallas Mavericks struggled a bit going into the playoffs, and at one point in the season were called soft by their head coach Rick Carlisle.
Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki must win the battle at power forward vs. Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge, and be more physical for Dallas to win the series.
With Gerald Wallace, Brandon, Roy, and Aldridge, Portland has more offensive firepower than Dallas does, so Nowitzki must score a lot.
Nowitzki must contain Aldridge on the boards on both ends of the floor. Portland is a very dangerous team with their well balanced roster and plethora of scorers.
Aldridge is quick enough to defend Nowitzki, and also has the length to bother his outside shot or post moves in the paint.
Nowtizki’s career playoff averages are good, but his Mavericks have been bounced from the first round of the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
Aldridge is a superstar and very underrated, and will be motivated to show the world he is ready to lead the Blazers past the first round.
Recap
9 of 9Every matchup at every position is important in the playoffs, but some mean more to the outcome of a series than others.
Defending a player well who means so much in a multitude of ways to a team is crucial for success.
Do you feel there is a more important matchup in a series than the ones I chose in this article? Let me know in the comment box.
Nicholas Goss is an Oklahoma City Thunder Featured Columnist, follow him on Twitter for all the best NBA news.
