As the overwhelming excitement of New Orleans’ domination of the Mavs in Round One dwindles and potential anxieties about their upcoming showdown with last year’s champions arise, let’s take a closer look at some of the key match-ups for the Hornets and Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Point Guards
Chris Paul v. Tony Parker
This meeting of backcourt brilliancy typifies the series as a whole. On one end, we have Paul, the young star, leading a talented group similarly carped for their inexperience. From his ’05-‘06 Rookie of the Year season to his stellar first-round play against the Dallas Mavericks (and, perhaps more significantly, Jason Kidd), he’s shown that he is maturing into one of the best in the game. On the other end, we have Parker, the seasoned Frenchman. MVP of the ’07 Finals, he leads a veteran squad whose efforts have garnered the Larry O’Brien Trophy thrice in the past five seasons. Both guards performed phenomenally in Round One, Paul averaging 24.6 and 12.0, Parker going 29.6 and 7.0. Though Parker has the experience, Paul’s unwavering poise and unparalleled athleticism give him the edge in this match-up.
Edge: Hornets
The Frontcourt
David West v. Tim Duncan
Changing our focus to the frontcourt, let’s take a gander at this meeting of All-Star talents in the paint. West, in his fourth year in the league, wowed many with his post moves in Round One, putting up 22.6 points and 7.4 boards a game. He can pass too, with 3.4 assists per game. Duncan, in his tenth year, exudes a fundamental presence, choosing practicality over flair. Putting up 24.8 and 13.8, swatting 2.4 shots against Phoenix, Duncan hit the biggest shot of Round One, a three-pointer in OT to push the second OT in San Antonio’s victorious first game. He’s got the edge here.
Edge: Spurs
The (Relatively) Quiet Guys
Peja Stojakovic v. Michael Finley
Though the presence of Stojakovic and Finley is somewhat subdued, they can both hit consistently from beyond the arc. Judging by their performances in Round One, Peja is certainly the stronger player, averaging 15.8 points against the Mavs on 60.7% three-ball shooting. Finley, a five-game starter against the Suns, is not done justice on paper. He makes some clutch baskets, and can drain the outside shot (hearken back to his eight-of-nine three-pointer performance against the Nuggets last year). That said, I’m gonna have to go with my boy, Peja, for this match-up. He’s just too consistent, and the dude’s shot has been hot in the postseason.
Edge: Hornets
The Coaches
Byron Scott v. Gregg Popovich
Of course, the easy answer here would be Popovich, who has built a powerhouse in San Antonio, taking home the O’Brien Trophy four times in his twelve seasons there. But don’t rush to judge. Scott, who earned three rings with the Lakers and led the NJ Nets to consecutive Eastern Conference Championships, has developed a great relationship with his young point guard. Scott trusts Paul’s decisions with the ball, never overcoaching. His calm demeanor on the sidelines contrasts with Pop’s “expressiveness,” an occasional hindrance for San Antonio. Two distinct, effective styles of coaching, this is match-up is too close to call.
Edge: Tie
My prediction: The Spurs push the series to seven, but the Hornets come through with a clutch home-court game seven performance. Hornets win, 4-3.
