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On guards Breaking down the matchups at the pointPosted: Wednesday May 08, 2002 10:29 PMUpdated: Wednesday May 08, 2002 10:47 PM
The play of a team's point guard is important any time, but it's crucial in the playoffs, because he sets the tempo for the team. For example, in the first-round series between the Nets and Pacers, Kevin Ollie and rookie Jamaal Tinsley couldn't get the job done and Indiana's offense just broke down. To that end, let's take a look at the point guard matchups in each semifinal series.
Dallas vs. SacramentoSacramento's point guards -- Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson -- outplayed Dallas' Steve Nash and Nick Van Exel in Game 1. But in Game 2, Nash was just sensational. This is probably the first time he's been healthy for a whole season, and he's really stepped up. While Bibby has proved to be a much better basketball player than many people expected, between those two guards, Nash is the better player. He's quicker, more aggressive offensively and he's an underrated defender. In fact, Mavs head coach Don Nelson believes that Nash is their best one-on-one defensive player. One thing in Bibby's favor, though, is that he's an excellent shooter. In that respect, he's with the right team, because the Kings have so many guys who can handle the basketball. They can use him more as a shooter, which really plays to his strength.
Los Angeles vs. San AntonioThe Lakers' Derek Fisher is probably as tough a player at his position as you'll find. He takes more charges than any player; he's very physical. He also has the ability to make big shots; he always seems to come up with a big three-point play. He's a coach's player. The Spurs' Tony Parker, on the other hand, is only 19, but he's stepped into the playoffs like he belongs. He has to do a lot with the success of that club, particularly with David Robinson being out. Parker looks like he has great confidence in himself; he doesn't back down. But he's a very streaky shooter. Some nights it goes; other nights there's no chance. Experience-wise, you've got to give the edge in this matchup to Fisher, but Parker's proven to a lot of people that he's an excellent basketball player.
New Jersey vs. CharlotteJason Kidd is just amazing. I voted for him for MVP -- he's always been one of my favorite players. He plays 100 percent, he plays both ends of the floor, and this year, he's leading his team deep into the playoffs. So far in the postseason, Kidd is making the shots he needs to make -- shots off the dribble, on the move, going to his left, fadeaways -- down the stretch of games. But the important thing is, he's really turned around the franchise. The entire New Jersey Nets franchise has changed because of Kidd. As for the Hornets' Baron Davis, he's a great one-on-one player, and it's a big advantage for a point guard to have the strength that he has. Unfortunately for Davis, that doesn't really give him an edge over Kidd, because he's strong, too. Davis has great 3-point range, but both guards can pass and rebound; they're both capable of triple-doubles. So this is a great matchup.
Detroit vs. BostonThis is an interesting matchup, because people forget about Kenny Anderson. At one time, the Celtics guard was a great scorer. He could go one-on-one or run the floor and try to beat two or three guys on a fast break by himself. He's adjusted his game, though, and is picking his spots better. Anderson made some big plays in almost every game this year, and he's improved defensively. He did a decent job on Allen Iverson in the first round. The Pistons' Chucky Atkins isn't well-known, but he's very talented. He can take the ball to the hoop, he plays over the rim, and he's a great 3-point shooter. So the edge here goes to Anderson, but the matchup isn't as one-sided as it might appear.
Kevin Loughery is a former NBA player and head coach. He appears each Sunday on CNN/SI's "This Week in the NBA."
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