Here's an article I wrote for the Gazette, but it never got published because my editor said it was to technical for a newspaper. Its a little late 3 games into the series, but why waste it? This Tuesday the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers go head-to-head in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. This is going to be a great series featuring the Detroit's smash-mouth, grinding defense versus the 'Sixers athletic, explosive offense. More importantly both are hard-working, blue-collar teams who work hard and bring it every single night. The winner of this series has a very good chance of representing the East in the NBA Finals. If you didn't get your fill of physical, high-intensity games during the Red Wings' early playoff exit, this is your series. Ever since the Pistons completed their comeback (only the 7th NBA team ever to come back from 3-1 in seven game playoff series), basketball fans and writers have been debating the outcome of this series. These teams match-up very well on paper and both sides have good arguements; lets break down the key factors for each team and see for ourselves. One of the biggest knocks against Detroit is that their controlled, methodical offense often degenerates into a slow, ineffective nightmare. Philly fans know they have one of the league's top on-the-ball defenders in Eric Snow. They believe that he can slow down Richard Hamilton and with Detroit's best scorer neutralized, the advantage clearly goes to Phiadelphia. These people obviously did not see the same Richard Hamilton I saw this year. For starters, I saw 'Rip' cruise right through Orlando's 'D' to the tune of 21.8 ppg over seven games. During his 30 point explosion against the Magic in game 2, they tried to slow him down by having Tracy Mcgrady play him straight up. There was one stretch of three possessions where Hamilton curled of a screen to the free-throw line and received the ball. Twice he slammed into Mcgrady's chest and bounced off with violent, whiplash-inducing snap, but still managed to get square and stick the 'J'. The third time he pump-faked, took one dribble and *BANG*, Mcgrady's long, frustrated arm came crashing down against his shoulder and knocked the shot of course. He sunk both free-throws (91.1% from the line in round one) but more importantly he drew a foul on T-Mac. Tracy Mcgrady is taller, longer, and has surperior lateral quickness to Eric Snow. There is no reason why 'Rip', who averaged 19 ppg against the 'Sixers in the regular season, should struggle to score on Snow. Hamilton has a deadly mid-range game and as long as Detroit's guards initiate the offense well and allow him to catch the ball 14'-18' away from the basket; 'Rip' will get his points. The most obvious problem the Pistons will have will be containing Allen Iverson (32.8 ppg in round one), a nigh impossible task in the playoffs. There are a few different defensive techniques to try (and avoid) against a scorer of Iverson's caliber. 1. Do not double team him before he makes his move. Every team in the league has tried doubling Iverson at all times and it won't surprise an saavy, well-coached squad like the 'Sixers. Teams that try this get burnt because Iverson often catches the ball in the center of the court, far from the hoop where he he has clear vision to both sides of the court and becomes a threat to pass or drive in either direction or shoot a three. 2. When they run a Pick and Roll, give them the roll! If A.I.'s defender doesn't cheat on screens, but fights through as tightly as possible (something Chauncey Billups excels at) and Detroit's big man steps out at Iverson, it is possible to trap him. This leaves the roll wide open but the theory is that Iverson's small size and reluctance to give up the ball will result in a trap. Even if Iverson recognizes the double-team and makes a good pass every time, who cares? I'll take Keith Van Horn trying to catch one of Iverson's hardball passes and then trying to convert against Ben Wallace any day of the week! 3. Run, run, run! The key here is putting a defender with some length (a.k.a. Tayshaun Prince) on Iverson and then sagging way off him, encouraging A.I. to shoot his jumper. Then, as soon as he releases his jumper; Tayshaun sprints down court, calling for the ball. This puts tons of pressure on Iverson to make his jump-shot because everytime he misses and Detroit rebounds, its an easy deuce for the Pistons and another nail in the coffin for Philadelphia. This technique is risky can work because it is about the only way to defend against Iverson driving to the hoop, and pressure his jumper at the same time. Of course, like all great scorers, sometimes Allen Iverson just gets hot and is impossible to stop. The whole country watched him drag the 'Sixers to the finals two years ago and he plays on a playoff hardened team. With Iverson, Snow, Van Horn and Aaron Mckie, four of the 76ers key players have been to the NBA finals in the last two years. On the Pistons, only Cliff Robinson has played in a Final's game. Final Thoughts Detroit plays more of a team game, a surperior defense, and better team chemistry. Both teams have great coaches in Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown. Philadelphia is more athletic, more experienced, has a more explosive offense and one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game. This one is too close call, but home-court advantage whispers the Pistons win it in seven.
Dude, I don't think you know what your talking about. :thumbsdown: You called Philly's offense "explosive" I haven't heard anyone say that since Cheeks,Toney and Doctor were on the team. As I write this, the series is 2-1 Detroit, but Philadelphia will bounce back to win in 7, and then I'll take your job as a journalist.
As for the series...sixers won game 3...93-83....sixers played well while detroit were poor....only rip showed up.The role players didn't play well...while ben only had 6 rebounds :shock: that won't happen again..we play game 4 tonight..ca't believe they have to play a back to back...a win today and we are in control at 3-1...a loss and it is anyone game at 2-2....billups did not play again in game 3..not sure if he will play tonight or not either..we really need him back and quick...he is the key to our offence.
Game 3 Solid game from the Sixers in Game 3. They really dominated the glass, 48-30. That was must win game, just as game 4 tonight is. The sixers need to come with the same energy and sense of desparation in tonight's game. Nice to see Van Horn finally breakout of a funk and erupt in the 3rd quarter. His offense has really been missing in this series. Fortunately for him he was able to stay out early foul trouble which has plagued him all year. Is it me, or has Ben Wallace been somewhat of a non-factor in this series. He's had his few rebounds and blocks hear and there, but he's been nowhere near the force that many thought he would be at this point. Gotta give credit to DC for rising to the challenge and making Ben work and keeping from ruling the boards.
I don't think anyone was surprised by philly's big win in game 3; beating any playoff team (especially one that has made it to round 2) 3 times in a row is incredibly difficult to do. Especially when the third game is on the road and the home team has their backs to the wall. Sixersonline I'm going to disagree with the Wallace being a non-factor. He recorded 27 rebounds, 6 blks and 3 steals in the first two games and a poor rebound total in game 3 (3 blks and 2 steals) doesn't eliminate his contributions in the first two games. Especially considering the rather lethargic play of the rest of the team. You're right about DC though, he's played very tough basketball, if he lost 20 lbs he'd be awesome. Philly's frontline as a whole has been excellent all series. Kenny Thomas is probably playing the best MEANINGFUL, basketball of his life. Ty Hill has been very effective in limited minutes. If Keith Van Horn ever comes out of his coma, the 'sixers are a very dangerous team. Carolinaheels Any team with Allen Iverson has an explosive offense. He can single-handedly erase a lead of any size at any given time. Also, you can have my job as a part-time student, part-time columnist but you'll make more money greeting people at Wal-mart. Also, I wrote that article before it was announced that Billups would be missing some time, if he's not back by game 5, I wouldn't be surprised to see Philly pull of an upset. However, It will be tough for the 76ers to win a game 7 in detroit. Girlballer ouch, a D-minus! I'm glad you're not the one who decides whether or not I get paid to write. 8) Allnet You're right about Chauncey, while our other guards do just as good as a job initiating Detroit's offense, the Piston's will really struggle to win any close games without his presence. And I bet we have a real nailbiter or two before this series is over. [/i]
Sixers took game 4-95-82 Iverson too good...36 points 5 rebounds and 11 assists..2-2 going back to Detroit..game 5 on wednesday....both teams have taken care of homcourt so far.
