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Originally Posted by pgardn
I agree with most of this. When the Spurs beat the Knicks in 1999, I knew there was no way for the Knicks to score against Robinson and Duncan. This was a far more dominant team than this Spurs team.
I knew the Spurs would have very little difficulty with the Nets in 2003. Detroit in 2005, we took it from them in the last 4 minutes of game 7. It was Detroit's series and we took it from them.
The point not mentioned above is that the Spurs are much quicker on Defense than Detroit. Much more. Passing lanes that were open against Detroit for Lebron will close up much quicker. Cleveland knows this. Brown knows this. Another factor is the Spurs are much longer than Detroit inside. Elson, Horry, and Duncan are all very long armed. They can block shots without having to time a jump. Horry is especially valuable in this respect.
If Cleveland makes too many turnovers, they will get blown out because the Spurs have much more speed on the break than Detroit. If Cleveland gets this thing halfcourt without making turnovers, we will have a series. If Parker and Ginobili play well in either case, the Spurs will roll. If Parker drives and hits the 17 foot jumper consistently, and Ginobili hits his 3's and plays his instinctive defense, its the Spurs easily.
Anyways I am happy the city of Cleveland has some relief from their depressing run. This city loves their teams. Very loyal group.
And of course if I make it up to Saratoga if Sumwon runs, I will bring everyone Spurs hats as I know they will be thrilled to wear such attire.
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Parker is the guy that worries me the most. I think he is their biggest matchup problem. Billups really wasn't a problem for them to cover. With Hughes and his foot ailing a bit....I think that is worrisome as Parker has about 8 more gears than Billups...and I'm not sure about Gibson on Parker either. Duncan is Duncan. They won't stop him but I think they are big enough inside to manage defensively. Parker scares the life out of me and what they'll do to contain him. Kidd and Billups are good, but speed wise...they are not Parker or even close.