BDM22 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Sheed has historically played KG well when they face each other, so I'm not sure where you get that from. He plays with much more focus against guys like Duncan and KG. It's Pierce that is the Celtics biggest advantage. He has always given Tayshaun fits.
That's what I thought. People seem to have the idea that Prince can shut down Pierce. I don't know where that idea came from, but i think they're giving Pierce to little credit and Prince too much.
I'm not sure if Pierce ever gave Prince fits, but i'm pretty sure Prince never gave Pierce problems. I'm not gonna check, but i'm pretty sure the numbers will support what i'm saying. Back in the day when Pierce used to carry the C's you could expect 26/6/4 when we played the Pistons.
Actually Pierce once called Prince an over-rated defender. I think it was disrespectful, but Pierce said what he said. I believe Pierce can go against Prince, and I'm pretty sure Pierce does as well.
As for the other match-ups.
Rondo vs. Billups. people say Rondo can't defend Billups, but Billups can't defend Rondo either. He's not quick enough to defend Rondo the same way Rondo's not big enough to defend him.
Ray vs. Hamilton. I think Hamilton has the edge even if Ray does wake up, but If Ray does wake up it won't be much of a difference.
Pierce vs. Prince. I don't believe Prince can shutdown Pierce, but i do believe Pierce can shut down Prince. I think Pierce's defense on Prince might be a bigger factor than Prince's defense on Pierce.
Garnett vs. Wallace. Don't know there history, but I'd say it's a wash. (Even though Garnett won in the regular season.)
Perkins vs. McDyss. McDyss wins this one out just because of he can score Perkins can't.
Bench
Celtics are deceptively deep. Only Pruitt, Scalabrine, and Pollard are non-contributors.
Bench
Detroit Deep nothing deceptive about it.
Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...