The Eastern Conference Finals
:
The 2008-09 NBA Playoffs
Game 1 of the Cleveland-Orlando Series is taking place as I write. And here are the points I believe, each team has to take in order to take a spot in the world championship.
For Orlando Magics
1. Pound the Ball inside
Unquestionable, Dwight Howard is a powerful force inside. Making his shots from within pressures the defense to collapse on him making shooters wide open.
2. Tight D against Mo and Delonte
These shooters complement Lebron. Lebron is a good passer, and a kick out pass to any of these players can lead to triples. And so the Magic has to put bodies on them, straight up defense away from the ball.
3. Sweet perimeter shooting
Game 7 of the Magics-Celtics series strongly proves how dangerous Orlando is, when the outside shots are working. Turkoglu has to be ready anytime from the perimeter. Moving without the ball, finding open spots can make life easier for Howard at the post.
4. Avoid Foul troubles
I cannot imagine how vulnerable the Magics Defense is without their premiere center. He has to be careful with fouling. And true enough! As I write, Howard commits his third foul in the first half. It is a huge development. Lebron, Z, and Varejao can easily manipulate the inside without an intimidating shot-blocker.
For Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Tight Perimeter Defense
The Orlando has a strong arsenal of weapons from the outside. Expect screen plays and picks, and the team has to adjust to these. 2:30 remaining the Cleveland lead from a high of 15, was cut to two. Lewis and Pietrus just took two consecutive outside shots.
2. Good Ball movement
Time and time again, Cleveland has shown strength in sharing the ball on the offense, winning them series after series. All-the-more they have to show it at this level. expect defense to pile up on Lebron, and other players have to step-up and be ready to get feeds from Lebron.
OH NO!!! HOWARD COMMITS HIS FOURTH FOUL 1:02 in the THIRD QUARTER. Cleveland has to attack the basket.
3. Don't allow Alston to heat up
Alston, in Game 7 against the Celtics, had three triples and finished with fifteen points, including those all-important points as the Celtics poses a come-back. Mo and Delonte has to intimidate him on defense.
For Orlando Magics
1. Pound the Ball inside
Unquestionable, Dwight Howard is a powerful force inside. Making his shots from within pressures the defense to collapse on him making shooters wide open.
2. Tight D against Mo and Delonte
These shooters complement Lebron. Lebron is a good passer, and a kick out pass to any of these players can lead to triples. And so the Magic has to put bodies on them, straight up defense away from the ball.
3. Sweet perimeter shooting
Game 7 of the Magics-Celtics series strongly proves how dangerous Orlando is, when the outside shots are working. Turkoglu has to be ready anytime from the perimeter. Moving without the ball, finding open spots can make life easier for Howard at the post.
4. Avoid Foul troubles
I cannot imagine how vulnerable the Magics Defense is without their premiere center. He has to be careful with fouling. And true enough! As I write, Howard commits his third foul in the first half. It is a huge development. Lebron, Z, and Varejao can easily manipulate the inside without an intimidating shot-blocker.
For Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Tight Perimeter Defense
The Orlando has a strong arsenal of weapons from the outside. Expect screen plays and picks, and the team has to adjust to these. 2:30 remaining the Cleveland lead from a high of 15, was cut to two. Lewis and Pietrus just took two consecutive outside shots.
2. Good Ball movement
Time and time again, Cleveland has shown strength in sharing the ball on the offense, winning them series after series. All-the-more they have to show it at this level. expect defense to pile up on Lebron, and other players have to step-up and be ready to get feeds from Lebron.
OH NO!!! HOWARD COMMITS HIS FOURTH FOUL 1:02 in the THIRD QUARTER. Cleveland has to attack the basket.
3. Don't allow Alston to heat up
Alston, in Game 7 against the Celtics, had three triples and finished with fifteen points, including those all-important points as the Celtics poses a come-back. Mo and Delonte has to intimidate him on defense.
