Originally posted by Rule4080 at 9-5-2011 14:55
This playoffs really shows how important matchups are ...
Spurs could not contain Gasol/Randolph downlow
Lakers could not guard the small guards or Dirk on the pick and roll
How true! I would like to point out though that the Lakers have went up against the Mavs before and they contained Dirk before. The difference this time was (IMHO)
a. Dirk is a different player, these days he settles for maximum of 2 dribbles and prefers to go near the basket (but he still shoots 3s to spread out the defense)
b. JJ Barea. All of Phil Jackson's teams weakness is always the small fast point guard who can score in bunches.
c. Tyson Chandler. a smart and active center that defends, rebounds and changes shots.
d. Kobe's body breaking down. I read somewhere that he doesn't attend team practices anymore because his body has way too many injuries. And not practicing contributes to poor performance in a game. (no rhythm, bad timing etc.)