Motown vs. Alamotown

6-9-05 This article was written by Ryan, future Detroit Sports Squad writer, he should be writing once we get his account set up.






The sexy teams are now gone and the big boys remain. The Pistons want respect; the Spurs want the title back. No teams could be so different, yet be so much alike. Put your hard hats on folks, no more pretty boy basketball.





Match ups people, match ups. This series will heavily depend on players adjusting from game-to-game schemes these teams will throw at each other. Ben and Rasheed will take the task of covering the MVP type player Tim Duncan while McDyess will also have his opportunities. Rasheed’s on the ball defense is better than Ben’s, so Rasheed should see the bulk of the time on Duncan if he stays away from foul difficulties. This would allow Ben to roam the lane, which he does so well. Ben was really worn down during the Miami series; look for him to have much more energy and to get that somewhat sporadic scoring mentality back. It is vital that Ben and Rasheed stay out of foul trouble. Horry, Mohammed and Nesterovic are all solid contributors, but their athleticism is not that of the Pistons front line.



The talented backcourts of these two teams is quite similar. Parker and Ginobili will have to be contained and vice-versa for Billups and Hamilton. The Pistons should really look to post up Chauncey frequently because of the strength advantage he has on Parker, or all the other point guards in the world for that matter. However, Mr. Big Shot isn’t the quickest and that’s were Parker could wreak havoc on the defense with his superb penetration and shot making ability in the paint.



If you want to discuss shot making abilities, well, look it up in the dictionary. The definition will read, Ginobili drives past defender and flings a shot up to the rim that’s not too pretty and isn’t supposed to go in. Shot most always touches glass and is known to bounce around on the rim until finding the net while descending toward the floor. The play is usually followed by a visit to the free throw line by the shot maker. Call me crazy, but the results have shown themselves this year. Ginobili has solidified his spot as a top ten player in the league.



Ginobili is a good defender too, and he will have to prove it even more so with the match up with Rip and Tayshaun. Prince is maybe the most talented player on Detroit, but his lack of aggressiveness gets him in trouble at times. He needs to toughen up and help D up Ginobili and make him work both on sides of the ball.



It’s probable that Bruce Bowen will guard Rip the majority of the time. Bowen’s lack of offensive skills is overlooked because of his hardnosed defensive mentality. I think Rip could have a huge series though, but I shouldn’t underestimate undrafted NBA scrap players such as Bowen.



Detroit’s bench is not what it was last year. The bench this year is about two, two and a half strong. The ball hawking he displayed and hustle plays provided by Lindsey Hunter against Miami last series was a major plus. Hunter will need to make life miserable for Parker as he did against Wade. McDyess is either on or off. His offensive skills are very important for when he is matched up against the slower and older Horry down low.

Speaking of Horry, he’s a clutch playoff player. He hits big shots and is really the only big man the Spurs will play off the bench consistently. Udrih and Brown are decent spot players who can shoot. I’m not going to forget Brent Barry, he’s real key for when the double comes on Duncan or when Ginobili and Parker are dishing off. He still can flat out stroke it from three land. Obviously, the Spurs have a real advantage on Detroit with their scoring minded and more flexible bench.



If the Pistons can limit their turnovers and get Prince and Rasheed good shots throughout the game, I like the chances of Detroit at the end. Mr. Big Shot always comes through. They will also have to limit the Spurs fast break that starts with the defensive play of Parker and Ginobili. Of course eliminating games of 30+ points and 15+ rebounds from Duncan is a must too. Both teams like the somewhat slow and methodical pace and that will give the casual basketball fan all the boredom they can handle. Free throws and coaching could end up being the difference. Popovich and Brown are both quality coaches, but who will make the smarter moves?



An evenly matched heavyweight fight compares to how I think this series will end up. It may get ugly and slow in spots, guys will have to get back on their feet and suck it up, but at the end the determined will win. The question is, who wants it more?









6-9-05