by JSM on Sun Nov 30, 2003 11:04 pm
I don't think this win will be quite as easy as Friday's was, they will be looking to get revenge on the beating we gave them, and will try to redeem themselves and prove they are the defending champions, but their attempts will be unsuccessful
player matchups
Payton/Parker- Payton did a good job on Parker Friday night, by preventing him from having a good night offensively and by getting him into foul trouble. He should be able to play D against him the same way and stop Parker from doing well. Payton will be able to score will some ease, because Parker lacks good defense (examples-against Payton fri. & against NVE last night)
Kobe/Bowen- Bowen was unable to stop Kobe Fri., so I don't know what makes him think he will be able to stop him Wed. The best Bowen can hope for is bothering 1 or 2 shots of Kobe's. A truly good defender (Artest) couldn't stop Kobe, so I don't know what a little punk named Bowen thinks he can do. Kobe will get around 18 points and will be able to stop Bowen from getting much of anything
George/Ginobili- George has to use his size to his advantage in this matchup. To be useful, after only scoring 3 points against the Pacers, he will need to use his size to allow him to back down Manu so he can get some good looks from inside. He needs to knock down his open shots that he gets and try to play good D on Manu. If he plays some good defense on Ginobili it will help, because Manu will have a big night if George doesn't stick with him, and it may be difficult for George to play good D, since Ginobili's shots are so unconventional.
Malone/Duncan- Malone is coming off two good defensive games, limiting Duncan to 11 points and then J. O'Neal to 14 points. He made both of them not get the type of shots they wanted and also out rebounded them. He has also been doing well on the offensive end. Look for another good night of D from Malone, along with another double double.
Shaq/Rasho- Rasho had problems against an injured Shaq, imagine how worse he will do with Shaq back in swing of things. Shaq will dominate this matchup, making them realize just how much they miss Robinson. After the Spurs see how bad Nesterovic is doing against Shaq, expect them to put Tim on Shaq some. Shaq will have a good night offensively, doing whatever he wants on Rasho. Shaq will stop Nesterovic from scoring more than a couple points. And when Rasho gets in foul trouble, they will have to bring in Willis, who will actually do better against Shaq than Nesterovic did. Willis will get tired and won't be able to bail Rasho out for too long, so this matchup favors Shaq, no matter who they put on him.
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If we are to be successful on the road or at home THE BENCH is going to be the telling factor.. if they don't produce, WE LOSE.. SIMPLE.. :man7:
BEWARE OF GINOBILI LAKERS!! HE"S DIRTY!! 
We should win pretty easily.. they lost their confidence after the thrashing they took.. look for Indiana to come out with a losing record after their road trip thru the West. We took the air out of their sails too.. 
