If not for Tim Duncan’s three-pointer near the end of Game 1, we might be looking at a Suns/Hornets matchup, but the uber-experienced Spurs grinded out yet another series with their blend of disciplined, fundamental basketball. Duncan posted 24.8 points and 13.8 rebounds in the five games, but it was Tony Parker’s 29.6 points and 7.0 assists that really put the Spurs over the top. Manu Ginobili had kind of a quiet series, but still managed to chip in 18.2 points per game off the bench.
Meanwhile, the Hornets shredded a Dallas team on the decline, getting great play out of Chris Paul, who averaged 24.6 points, 12.0 assists and 5.6 rebounds in five games. He even had a 24/15/11 triple-double in the series-clinching Game 5. Fellow All-Star David West was steady and terrific, averaging 22.6 points and 7.4 rebounds during the series.
The teams split the season series, 2-2, so on paper they look to be pretty evenly matched. The Paul/Parker point guard matchup should be a joy to watch. Both players are super-quick and love to penetrate the lane. While there, Parker is looking to score, while Paul likes to set his teammates up. However, Paul has really developed his short jumper over the past season, so he’s capable of completely taking the game over at times.
Look for defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler to be given the responsibility of covering Duncan. Chandler has the length and athletic ability to cause some headaches for Duncan down low, though the Big Fundamental shot almost 64% from the field against the Hornets this season.
West and Ginobili may be the wild cards. Can Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson stay with Manu? The Hornets might call on athletic rookie Julian Wright to watch Ginobili. On the flip side, the Spurs will probably ask Kurt Thomas to cover West. Off the bench, who is going to stay with the Hornets’ Jannero Pargo?
New Orleans has more speed and quickness, while the Spurs have an obvious advantage in experience. While I’d like to see someone finally “mess with Texas,” this one has “Spurs in 6” written all over it.
