Post#39 » by ParticleMan » Wed May 21, 2008 5:26 pm
I agree that Detroit is a better matchup for us offensively. The main problem with Cleveland was that they had a size AND strength advantage at almost every position. The one exception was KG vs Ben, but Ben still had strength and was able to push KG off the block. Ray could beat Wally off the dribble but help was always waiting. Paul struggled against Lebron. KG was OK but Wallace played him tough. The trouble is, we rely mostly on our size and strength to beat teams. We are not a super-quick or super-fast team outside of Rondo. When we play someone like Cleveland, it's tough for us because we don't have our usual advantage.
Detroit has size on us, but not strength. Pierce can outmuscle Prince. Sheed is a good defender but can't muscle KG. Allen isn't going to get pushed around by Rip, and he has the strength to drive by him. The real matchup nightmare for us is Billups vs Rondo. Unless Detroit wins that matchup big-time, we should win the game. Obviously in Game 1 Rondo was up to the task. We'll see for the rest of the games. Hopefully Billups is still bothered by that hamstring. If he isn't 100%, that's a big plus for us.
I can definitely see how Cleveland beat Detroit last year. But I'm not couting any chickens either. Detroit played a listless game last night. I bet they will come out hard and try to steal on tomorrow. Remember they looked listless against the Sixers before turning it on and just blowing them away. I don't think they will blow us away, but they will put up a better fight than last night for sure.