by Fresh8 on Wed Jun 02, 2004 7:58 pm
Here is my 'in-depth' preview:
Centers
Shaq; MDE and Big Ben will take it into the paint in this series. I would expect this match-up to be the big one in the series because evryone thinks that Shaq is the guy who is driving the Lakers in every game. If Wallace shuts Shaq down, is this the turning point of the Laker's winning form?
Ben Wallace will need to play his best defence on Shaq and then try and contribute on the other end too. I don't think Shaq will have trouble playing D on Wallace. Of course, Wallace's role on the team isn't scoring so as long as he plays real tight defence on Shaq- it's all good for the Pistons.
However, I'll go with Shaq in this match-up... because he can do everything!
Advantage: Lakers
Frontcourt
Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace will be matching up against Devean George and Karl Malone.
Devean has been on and off in the play-offs. But when he shoots well, the Lakers seem to win games much more easily. If he can play more consistently in this series, Shaq and Kobe will have less double-teams to face. But he'll have to get past Prince who is playing well this playoffs. Apparently, the Pistons have been recieving less e-mails concerning Carmelo Anthony after that Game 2 winning block!
Karl Malone and Rasheed Wallace will be an interesting match-up. Malone has mentioned that he'll be 'showing up' in the Finals and I hope we'll see more of him. Plus- Malone will be playing for that ring...it might be his last chance. And Rasheed will also be motivated to play well in the series because he missed the finals back in 2000 due to that fourth quater breakdown with the Blazers! (I think he is waiting to get his revenge)
The key for the Pistons is their stingy defence and in my opinion Wallace's offensive contribution. And I think the Pistons frontcourt does have an edge against the Lakers, only because of George's inconsistency and Wallace's defence.
Advantage: Pistons
Backcourt
It's the man in the mask, the Butler against the Glove and KB8.
Richard Hamilton has just finished playing a brilliant Conference Finals against Indiana. He averaged 24 ppg and scored a career high 33 points, a few days ago. He is quick off the pick and his release is lightning quick. If the Lakers want to shut him down, Kobe will need to play his some-what non-existent defence! I believe that Billups has had a quiet playoffs but he is still a main contributor with the Pistons. He is averaging 15.5 ppg and 6.2 apg. He will also need to chip in a few points in order to sink the Lakers.
Gary Payton. What can I say. He doesn't really fit in with the team right now but he is helping the team. His minutes have been cut ever since Jax decided that he should split the minutes up so that D Fish gets some action too. Payton who is 35, will have to play his trademark defence (if it's still in him!) and make the most of his minutes.
Kobe Bryant, 'the closest thing to MJ - if there is a closest thing,' as someone said (I believe it was someone on Minnesota's coaching staff...), will need to be moving all the time with all the picks being set. He will need to try and keep up with the endurable Hamilton and try to shut him down. I believe that if Kobe can limit Rip to 10 - 15 points, the Lakers will win easily. But as all ways- Kobe is unpredictable!
I think both backcourts are evn because of the Laker's unpredictability and inconsistency and Rip's slashing/scoring ability. And Billup's will be more consistent than Payton, I assume.
Advantage: Even
Coaches
Larry Brown and Phil jackson. Phil must have the edge here, courtesy to hype cause he may win his 10th championship! And Larry Brown...if they lose I'll be asking,"What if they let Milicic play!" or "What if they had Melo!"
Advantage: Lakers
Bench
Detroit only main contributor off the bench may be Corliss Williamson. Don't expect any heroes coming off the bench top win a game for the Pistons! I think the starting five will play most of the game!
The Lakers main bench players are: Derek Fisher, Medvedenko, and Rick Fox (Fox who has just been reput into the rotation)... these guys are good especially Fisher who will need to play real good if Payton needs someone to fill in. Medvedenko will need to rebound well if he is playing for Shaq (If Shaq is in foul trouble)....The Lakers have a deeper bench in terms of individual strengths. Rush can shoot, Walton is smart, Fox has the hustle, and Fisher is Fisher.
Anything is possible in a ball game, but I think there is a much higher chance that a sixth man from the Lakers will win a game rather than a Pistons benchman would....
Advantage: Lakers
Final Decision
The Lakers have had a rough season and after knocking out the best team in the West; during the regualr season and the defending champs, they look on task to win their 4th trophy in 5 years. If they win, Payton and Malone will get their rings and maybe stay for 04-05 and Phil will have his 10th ring as a coach. Kobe may also stay because of this!
The Pistons have an outside chance of being a threat. Defence is their strength and they'll need it to beat LA. But they will need to score too and thiey will rely on Hamilton to keep Kobe busy on the offensive end. And I believe that even if Detroit gets hot...it will only last one or two games.
I believe the Lakers will sweep the Pistons. They have home-court advantage which is a big plus!
And also. Kobe Bryant for Finals MVP!