Knicks V Spurs analysis - longish! -- TRSBA news

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Date Posted: 15:09:37 06/13/99 Sun
Author: Dale
Subject: Knicks V Spurs analysis - longish!

Well, it is NBA finals time so I thought I would do a short analysis of the 2 teams. New York have a strange lineup in that the guys who are there in the crunch don't always start so I shall do the matchups according to who plays the most
Center - David Robinson v Marcus Camby
Camby had a superb series against Indiana but let's face it, he only had to get around Rik Smits. Robinson is stronger, faster and more skilled then Camby and this will show in this series. If RObinson leaves the court, Camby has to deal with Tim Duncan. I tip this to be a very dificult series for him. Robinson will keep his production at a steady rate, he may explode for one game but will average about 19 points and 11 boards for the series. Camby to get 10 points and 10 boards.
Forward - Tim Duncan v Larry Johnson
LJ is under an injury cloud and may not even play the 1st game. Like the center matchup, Duncan is stronger, faster and more skilled then LJ who is being forced to take more and more outside jump shots then previously. Duncan seems to go through the motions for parts of the game but thehn explodes for a quater and puts a team away. I expect to see Duncan do no different in this series. LJ will average 10 points and 7 boards. Duncan will average 23 points and 12 boards on the way to collecting the MVP award.
Forward - Sean Elliot v Latrell Sprewell
This could be the key matchup of the series! Spree is the key to the Knicks chances, if he lights up it will be close but if he doesn't, the Knicks are history! Spree is the most explosive shooting guard in the game today but with Allan Houston in the side he is forced to play as a small forward. Expect Spree to run Elliot all over the court, especially in New York where the homw crown get Spree pumping. Elliot is no slouch but I can't see him being able to contain the explosive Sprewell. Spree to average 24 points, 4 boards and 3 assists. Elliott to average 11 points and 7 boards.
Guard - Mario Ellie v Allan Houston
Houston is somewhat of a dark horse for New York. Houston is a little inconsistent in his play and I beleive this will show in this series. Mario Ellie has been there before and knows how to handle the pressure of finals basketball. Though Ellie will have minimal imput on the offencive end, being limited to 3 point shooting, he will make his major contribution from the defensive end. He will try put the clamps on Houston amd make him work hard for every point. Ellie will average 6 points 3 boards and 3 assists. Houston will average 14 points 3 boards and 4 assists.
Guard - Avery Johnson v Charlie Ward
Though Childs played more minutes in the INdiana series, I think Ward will play a more signifigant role in this series. Neither Childs or Ward will be able to contain Johnson as both will be asked to double team the low post, leaving avery to hit his mid range jump shot. If Johnson si confident and hits the J, the Spurs will win by big margins. If he isn't hitting the J, the games will be a lot closer. Johnson is an smart player, he knows where he should be and more importantly, where his team mates will be. I can't see New York's defenders being able to contain Avery. Ward will average 6 points and 6 assists for the series. Johnson will average 9 points and 9 assists.
Others to watch...
Both these teams rely heavily on their major role players but there will be some contributions from the bench. For New York, Dudley will get minutes but is exactly what his name suggests... a dud! His role will be to slow Robinson for 20 minutes a game. Thomas and Childs will both get minutes also but won't do a whole lot statisticaly. Look for both Thomas and Childs to average 20-30 minutes a game Thomas perhaps averaging more if LJ has more injury problems. San Antoino will use Antoino Daniels is short spurts and Jaren Jackson for around 25 minutes a game. Steve Kerr may pop on for a celebrity shot (just so he can say he earnt his championship ring). Expect Will Perdue to get more minutes then in the Portland series.

Summary!
San Antoino have to much power! They beat New York convincingly in the front court and hold their own in the backcourt. New York will have fewer shot attempts as San Antoino will dominate the boards. Latrell Sprewell will be the shining light for New Yrok but will be helpless as Duncan and Robinson tear his team appart from the inside. Spurs in 6 gasmes.

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