by JSM on Mon Nov 24, 2003 6:30 pm
player matchups:
Payton/Dixon: Juan Dixon is an extremely easy matchup for Gary. Perhaps, even the easiest matchup all year. Payton will shut him down, and he will do whatever he wants to do. If he wants to play with his eyes closed, he might even be able to pull that off...just kidding, but look for this to free Payton up to run the offense and defense however he wants without anyone stopping him. Payton should have no problem scoring. He should be able to back Dixon down, since he weights close to 15 pounds less than Gary. And he should be able to drive into the lane with ease.
Kobe/Hughes: Usually, Hughes would be their leading scorer, but Kobe should be able to prevent him from doing a lot of scoring. Hughes is a lot smaller than Kobe, so Kobe can post him up and shoot over him when he feels like it. Hughes isn't a very good defensive player and will get outplayed by Kobe. Hughes will also have problems getting to the basket because of Malone, who will be able to drift form his defensive assignment some, because they also pose no threat on the offensive end of the court. Kobe will be able to dominate him and have another good night. Kobe will also probably go to the line a good bit, because the Wizards also lack good D and will resort to fouling.
George/Hayes: George has been struggling recently and Hayes has being doing good for a rookie, but like I said...for a rookie, so this matchup favors George, if for nothing else for him knowing what he's doing and being more experienced. George has to start hitting shots and get back to how he was playing earlier in the season. If he can knock down some open shots, then he might have a good game, but I'm not expecting much. Hayes will probably put up better numbers than George.
Malone/Brown: The number one bust against the Mailman, sounds fun. Malone has been getting double double's left and right, and Kwame...well hasn't ever lived up to the hype and only plays mediocre basketball. Malone should not have much of a problem with Kwame. The only think Brown has on Malone is that he is younger, but when watching the two play...you would think Brown is the 40 year old and Malone is the young'n. Brown doesn't hustle or play hard, so Malone will be able to get position in the pain, box him out, out rebound him, out score him, and out play Brown. Malone-double double; Kwame-single single.
Grant/Haywood: I would have much rather have had Shaq, but Grant will do. Neither guys are going to be the player of the game or have an extraordinary night. Grant will continue to make some good shots and will finish with 6 or 8 points. He should be able to prevent Haywood from scoring, since he is only averaging 4 points a game. We won't need much from Grant since this will be a easy game for us; but some defense, a few boards, and a few made jumpers would be nice.
Reasons we will win: they have no offensive or defensive players, partly due to injury, we are starting to play well together and certain players off the bench are really stepping it up, they are playing back to back nights and we get them on their second night, and we are playing at home.
Last edited by
JSM on Tue Nov 25, 2003 10:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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