http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?page=ScoutingLakersCelticsBy David Thorpe and Mike Moreau
Scouts Inc. Updated: June 3, 2008, 2:58 PM ET It'shard to imagine a more intriguing and exciting NBA Finals. Not justbecause of the storied rivalry between these two franchises, but theindividual matchups are just as compelling. Can a young bruiser like Kendrick Perkins make life difficult for a world-class player like Pau Gasol? The same question exists for Rajon Rondo, who has exceeded many expectations this season but now faces veteran point guard Derek Fisher and his multiple rings. Then there's mercurial talent Lamar Odom, against Hall of Famer-to-be Kevin Garnett, who's never been to the Finals before -- few players have the skills to give Garnett fits like Odom can. And can Paul Pierce, a top NBA player with a long career, carry his team to a title against the league's best player, Kobe Bryant?
The strategic matchups will be great to watch as well. Boston played the most dominating defense this season, and played that role well in beating Detroit. The Lakers were a top-three offense once Gasol arrived, and flexed their muscles in overpowering the high-octane offenses of Denver and Utah. But these teams are far from one-dimensional. Boston came through with strong offensive efforts two times in the Pistons series, while L.A. suffocated Tim Duncan down the stretch of the Spurs series.
The Lakers did not rebound well in their first two series, but came up with huge and many offensive rebounds against San Antonio. Bostonis an excellent team on the glass but will be challenged because itsrotations will get extended in looking to help on Bryant whiledefending all the triangle options and the Lakers' deep shooters. TheCeltics prefer a slower game, relying on their defense to strangle theopponents' best options in their half-court sets, but Rondo is a blurwith the ball, excelling in the transition game. It is true that theLakers love to run and push the ball, but they are just as effective ina slower game thanks to sound offensive systems and players.
Itseems likely that the Celtics will use the same tactics in defendingBryant as the Spurs did, at least to some degree. Keeping him off thefree-throw line puts more pressure on him to finish shots. The Celticswill try to limit his chances in the paint by shading him with multipledefenders on dribble drives. Bryant made the Spurs pay for utilizingthat strategy by shooting well from the perimeter and playing "fresh"down the stretch. But had the Spurs pounded Bryant all series, he mighthave scored in bunches from the line but might not have been so goodlate in games. It will be interesting to see how Boston chooses to quiet a player in the kind of zone Kobe is in.
Gasolis another Laker who will probably demand more than just one man toslow him in the half court. He's especially hard to defend if he canknock down his jump shot, especially when the Celtic's big men willneed to race back in transition to pick him up quickly -- Gasol isexcellent in changing ends and getting great position early in theoffense.
The Celtics are breathing a sigh of relief now that Ray Allen'soffense has returned, and as a whole, the Celtics got big performancesfrom the big three. Allen, Pierce and Garnett all had standout games atdifferent times against the Pistons. Plus, Rondo's penetration helps tocreate for everyone. And to make matters even better for Boston, Perkins got hustle points and established position against a formidable Pistons front line.
No team in the NBA rotates and communicates defensively with the precision and consistency like the Celtics do. Boston'sleague-leading team defense overshadows the fact that each of theirstarters is a formidable individual defender. In this series, it willbe important to see which guys can guard their own man with minimalhelp.
This Bostonteam rises and falls with it's defense, and the Celtics have developeda pride, an intensity and a defensive mentality that can not only shutdown teams, but can carry them in stretches and keep them in games whentheir offense struggles.
Derek Fisher: He's the steadying influence that L.A.needed to unseat the defending champs, even though he did not shootwell. This was somewhat of a surprise after scoring and shooting sowell against Utah.During the Spurs series, he averaged 6.2 ppg on 37.5 percent shooting.Fisher made up for it with solid defense and outstanding ballhandling,committing just two turnovers the entire series. He'll give up lots ofquickness to Rondo, but has long arms and a great sense of timing tocontest jump shots. If he can keep Rondo from stripping him ordeflecting his passes, the Lakers' offense has a real chance to be moreeffective than any team Boston has faced.
Rajon Rondo: TheCeltics have grown more comfortable with Rondo at the controls as hisconfidence and production have improved from series to series. In 20playoff games, Rondo has posted a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and hisability to push in transition and penetrate in the half court are keysto Boston'soffensive success. The continuing concern is his inability to knockdown open jump shots, as he has made only 10 of his past 35 attempts --shooting only 34.9 percent in the conference finals. On the defensiveend, he can create problems for the Lakers' guards with his defensivequickness.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
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BOSTON CELTICS SG 得分后卫 Kobe Bryant: Bryantis coming off one of his most impressive series performances of hiscareer. Against the Spurs, he averaged 29.2 points per game -- withjust 10 made free throws overall -- and shot 53.3 percent from thefloor, with many of his attempts coming on jump shots. The Spurs workedat keeping him out of the paint, but it didn't matter. He almost alwaysscored when his team needed him to, and his 39 points in the seriesclincher was his best overall effort of the playoffs (even better thanthe 49 in the Denver rout). Bostoncan not just back off him, nor can they simply apply pressure and bringa second defender. Something more complex will be needed, but it comesat the risk of letting other Lakers players get easy looks. Bryant willbe used as a defensive stopper as well, working to cool down eitherAllen or Pierce, if they are carrying Boston's offense.
Ray Allen: Allencame roaring out of his horrific offensive slump with 29 points,shooting 5-for-6 from 3-point range in Game 5 of the conference finals.Although averaging only 14.2 points on 40.3 percent shooting in theplayoffs, he averaged 17.5 points and shot 44 percent against Detroit-- making 15 of 27 shots and shooting 8-for-14 from 3 in his past twogames. Expect Allen to provide more of his normal offensive presence --shooting the 3-pointer in transition or off screens in the half court.He will use his dribble pull-up game to get into the lane and get tothe foul line if the jumper isn't falling. Things get no easier for himdefensively as he goes from chasing Richard Hamilton to matching up with the best 2-guard on the planet.
Ray Allen: Allen刚刚从他那冰凉的手感中恢复自我.东区决赛第五场中三分球6投5中,砍下29分.即使他在今年季后赛中仅仅以40.3%的命中率获得场均14.2分.但是到了东区决赛则有了进步:命中率上升到了44%得分也升至17.5分.过去两场他27投15中,三分球14投8中. 期待着Allen在总决赛中能有更正常发挥.通过无球跑动掩护获得外围3分出手的机会.他也会通过运球杀向篮下来博取犯规站上罚球线.比赛的艰难程度比东区决赛跟着Hamilton满地球跑马拉松不会轻松多少的.因为他防守的是这个星球上最好的球员.KOBE!
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
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BOSTON CELTICS SF 小前锋
Vladimir Radmanovic: He played his best games in the two games that L.A.won by a combined six points. During the Spurs series, he averaged 8.4ppg overall but scored 10 and 11 in those two close games, hitting 10of 13 shots. He roamed often in their half-court defense, away from Bruce Bowen,and was effective as a help-defender too. But in this series, he willnot be able to play the same role against either Pierce or Allen.Assuming Boston will scramble to defend Kobe, Radmanovic's normally steady 3-point shot will be a key to the series.
Vladimir Radmanovic: 他打的最好的两场比赛是湖人加起来才赢了6分的那两场.在对上马刺的比赛中他场均8.4分.但是他在那两场关键的比赛中分别得到了10分和11分.13投竟然10中.(滑雪男开窍了).但是他的半场防守经常让剪刀手Bowen得到空位投篮的机会.他也是会积极的去帮助Gasol去包夹邓肯的球员.在面对凯尔特人的时候教练肯定不会让他去防守Pierce或者是Allen中的任何一个.几乎肯以肯定的是波士顿人会对科比进行包夹.所以Rad能否在空挡投中那些三分球是对湖人胜负起到决定性的作用.
Paul Pierce: Inthe past two series, Pierce established himself as the go-to-guy in biggames and on crucial possessions. He followed up his 41 points in aGame 7 classic against the Cavs with 27 points, shooting 8-for-12 inthe close-out Game 6 in Detroit.His scoring has gone up in each series, as he is shooting fewer 3s andgetting more free throws by attacking the basket. He's averaging 19.0points on 44.3 shooting in the playoffs, getting his points from allover the floor, whether it's isos, post-ups, jumpers off the dribble or3s in transition. In the past two series, he defended Tayshaun Prince and LeBron James as well as anyone can, so expect him to see some duty on Bryant when the matchup dictates.
Paul Pierce: 在过去的两个系列赛中他他自己定位成一个拥有”大心脏”的关键先生.在半决赛和骑士的第七场足以被载入史册的经典战役中他砍下41分后,又在第六场的天王山之战中以12投8中的高命中拿下27分.他的得分随着季后赛的深入也慢慢增加.他放弃了过多的外线出手,改为利用小推土机的身材攻击对方的篮下.来获得罚球的机会.季后赛中他以44.3的命中率场均拿下19分.他的得分方式多不胜数.可以上篮,背筐单打.运球突破或者三分开火.在过去的两个系列赛中.他把Prince和James防的没了脾气.所以面对即将到来的与科比的对话中足矣值得我们期待他的表现. 作者: 無限 時間: 2008-6-5 04:50 AM
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
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BOSTON CELTICS PF 大前锋
Lamar Odom: Odom had some shining moments against San Antonio, but didn't excel too consistently. The fact L.A.won in five games despite ho-hum production from Odom was a surprise tomany, and a sign of its overall depth. He'll likely have to scorebetter than his 12.8-points-per-game production against the Spurs, andshoot better than 40.4 percent from the floor, too. He had his bestgame -- 20 points -- shooting 7-for-10 in the only blowout win for L.A.He could have a similar impact in this series, but staying out of foultrouble against Garnett and forcing him to defend dribble drives(perhaps drawing fouls from him) will be two key areas.
Kevin Garnett: Garnettis the Celtics' leading scorer in the playoffs. In the conferencefinals, he stepped it up another level, averaging 22.8 points shootinga sizzling 52.5 percent. In half of Boston's postseason games, he has scored 20 points or more, including 33 points in the pivotal Game 5 against Detroit.Garnett is an excellent low-post scorer, but has found success in theplayoffs with his midrange jumper and the ability to catch and shootoff pick-and-pop screening actions. He will need his entire offensivearsenal against Odom. Garnett is the heart and soul of the Celtics'defense. He will need to lead vocally and by example on both endsagainst the Lakers.
Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett是波士顿在季后赛的队内头号得分手.在东区决赛中他的得分又增加到另一个高度.:52.5%的命中场均砍下22.8分.在季后赛中他有一半的比赛中得分都达到20或以上.包括决赛第五站打活塞得到的33分那场. Garnett是一个拥有完美地位技术的得分手.在今年的季后赛中他的中投又大放异彩.而与队友做完挡拆的交球技术也是在今年取得了相当的成功.他在面对Odom的时候需要在他的武器库里选择适当的武器来轰炸Odom防守的篮筐.Garnett的血液里流淌的正式凯尔特人的防守精神.他需要在球场的两端都为队友做出表率.为击败湖人做出自己的贡献.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
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BOSTON CELTICS C
中锋 Pau Gasol: Somuch for the theory that Gasol is somehow not a great player becausehe's never won a playoff series. He might not have scored a lot ofpoints by his standards (13.2 points per game) but his defense on Duncan was a series-changer. He used his long arms and nimble feet to challenge Duncan consistently, without fouling, and made things tough on Tony Parkerby effectively hedging ball screens. Of course, his biggestcontributions were the 12 offensive rebounds in the last two games,including nine in Game 5. He'll have to be just as aggressive to keepPerkins at bay. Gasol is not the league's most physical post player,but neither is he at all "soft."
Kendrick Perkins: Perkinsprovides the size, energy and physical inside presence at both ends ofthe floor. He gets a lot of his points sliding and flashing to openareas around the basket, as most of the offensive attention is on histeammates -- Garnett especially looks for him when he is doubled.Perkins began asserting himself in the low post against Detroit,and at times dominated their entire front line. He averaged 9.3 pointsand 9.2 rebounds in that series. He is quick and mobile for his size,and he is the primary rotation guy in the Celtics' half-court defense.His ability to use his size and quickness against the versatile Gasolwill be a key factor in the Celtics' success.
Luke Walton: He'sa versatile player who can shoot the 3-pointer (9-for-20 in theplayoffs) or post up smaller players. His brilliant passing will beneeded to make plays against the Celtics defense. Luke Walton: 他是一个全面的球员,能在外线开炮(季后赛三分20投9中)或者利用身体优势单打比他矮小的对手.另外,他的高篮球智商和出色的传球技术也是湖人能否破解凯尔特人半场防守的关键.
Sasha Vujacic: He'sa confident shooter who makes defensive plays with his hustle. He went23-for-56 on 3-pointers in the playoffs, but shot just 6-for-19 in theconference finals. Sasha Vujacic: 他是一个出色的投手,能让防守队员看到他出手感到紧张.他在季后赛中三分56投23中.但是决赛的命中率仅为19投6中.
Jordan Farmar: He rebounded from a horrible series against Utah(1.7 points per game) to an excellent one in the conference finals,scoring 8.4 points per game and went 5-for-12 on 3's. He can penetrateand make a play at the rim, too. Jordan Farmar: 他从对阵犹他的噩梦中醒过来了(场均1.7分)到了西区决赛成为了一名关键的角色球员.场均8.4分.三分线外的出手12投5中.他也能冲入篮下上篮得分.
Ronny Turiaf: He'sactive on the glass and solid on defense. His ability to slide his feetand hedge ball screens will make things tougher on Rondo. Ronny Turiaf: 他对争抢篮板抱有很高的热情,他也是防守中比较稳固的队员.他的补防意识和盖帽能力会让Rondo很是难受.
Trevor Ariza: Heplayed 10 total minutes against the Spurs after returning from aninjury back in December. He's a very special athlete on defense and intransition. Trevor Ariza: 自从受伤后对阵马刺的复出,他总共只打了10分钟.他拥有惊人的防守天赋,在错位攻防中也表现不错.
作者: 無限 時間: 2008-6-5 04:51 AM
Celtics
James Posey: He has been to the Finals before and won a championship with the Heat. During the playoffs he has been Boston'sbest percentage 3-point shooter in the playoffs -- shooting 23-for-64for a 35.9 percent. He averages 21 minutes per game, and will play asignificant role in helping to guard Bryant. James Posey: 他曾经跟随热火队打过总决赛并一举夺冠.在季后赛中,他是波士顿外线最稳健的一个得分点:以64投23中的35.9%命中率.他平均每场比赛上场21分钟.在即将到来的总决赛中是限制科比的一个重要棋子.
Sam Cassell: Healso has Finals experience and played on two NBA championships teamswith the Rockets at the beginning of his career, but has played a muchsmaller role than expected for Bostonin these playoffs with 4.7 points on only 32 percent shooting. Cassellcan bring quick points or bad shots and turnovers, but he might need toplay the role he was brought in for if the lights gets too bright forRondo. Sam Cassell: 他也有总决赛的经验.并在职业生涯的前期跟随火箭获得了两次总冠军.但是他在现今的波士顿队中扮演着一个无关紧要的角色.季后赛场均4.7分32%的投篮命中率.Cassell擅长急停跳投,不过他也会产生不少的失误和错失投篮时机.Cassell需要扮演好自己的角色.他的经验也是波士顿今年签下他的一个重要原因之一.
P.J. Brown: Brownbrings a calming, veteran presence, as well as size and defense to thecourt. He's averaging 2.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11 minutes pergame. P.J. Brown: 他是一个冷静的,老练的内线球员.他擅长利用它的身材来防守对方球员.他场均11分钟的出场时间内获得2.6分,2.3个篮板.
Leon Powe: Heprovides the spark to the front line with 4.6 points and 2.5 reboundsper game and makes his biggest contribution on the offensive glass. Leon Powe: 他在场上的表现很有激情,场均4.6分以及2.5个篮板.他最大的贡献是在于前场篮板的冲抢上能给予球队帮助.
Eddie House: He'splaying only five minutes a game in the playoffs, but can bring energyto the second unit and can get streaky hot with his 3. Eddie House: 他在季后赛上仅仅平均上场5分钟,他是替补中的重要力量.他的三分也值得注意.
Glen Davis: He's averaging 2.3 points in seven minutes per game. Big Baby can score and make plays around the basket and has fouls to give. Glen Davis: 他平均每场上场7分钟拿下2.3分.大宝宝有在篮下得分的能力也容易博到犯规.
Tony Allen: Althoughhe has played little in the playoffs, Allen had 16 points filling infor Rondo in a regular-season Celtics win over the Lakers. Tony Allen: 虽然他在季后赛上场时间不长.他在常规赛战胜湖人的比赛中替补Rondo出场曾砍下16分.值得关注.
