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After stumbling through the Minnesota Timberwolves first round series the San Antonio Spurs now move on to the Los Angeles Lakers.
One thing is for sure, the Spurs will not get through this seven game series if they play with the same intensity that they met the Timberwolves with. The Spurs have to win every home game and try to steal as many as they can from the Lakers at the Forum.
The Spurs have met the Lakers three times this year. The first two times the Spurs were beaten comfortably by the Lakers. These two times were early in the season though when the Spurs were on their way to a horrible 6-8 start. In the final match-up the Spurs easily beat the Lakers at the Alamodome.
The Lakers are a great team that had a disappointing year. They can boast three good quality allstars and a number of good role players. As usual there are a few key match-ups that will be instrumental and the team that wins the most of these will most likely win the series.
Lets take a look at some of the match-ups as I see them-
David Robinson (7-1) V's Shaquille O'Neal (7-1)
David Robinson looked like the Admiral of old in the final two games of the Timberwolve series and he'll need to take some more of his old game out of the closet if he is to contain Shaq, who is undoubtedly the most intimidating physical player in the league. Over their careers their stats have been almost identical when playing each other and if they can stay like this during the series then Dave has done a fine job.
The Verdict
Shaq will be the Lakers highest scorer for the series, no doubt. If Dave can put on some of his
trademark D while posting up Shaq and making him foul then we are well on our way to a win.
Tim Duncan (7-0) V's JR Reid (6-10)
Tim Duncan can really put his mark on the series if he can dominate over JR Reid. JR will not be too much of a threat in offense and this gives Tim and chance to rest and help double down on Shaq when the need arises. If Tim can play JR one on one in offense then he will score 90% of the time. Kurt Rambis most likely wont allow this though.
The Verdict
Tim needs to carry the Spurs offensive load throughout this series. If he can put up 'Shaq like'
numbers then the Spurs look good.
Sean Elliott (6-8) V's Glen Rice (6-8)
This is a matchup between one of the leagues best defensive small forwards in Elliott and the leagues best pure shooter in Rice. Glen Rice can put up huge numbers in offense, especially if his defender has to leave him to double Shaq in the post. If he's played tight then his impact will be noticeably reduced.
The Verdict
Glen Rice will probably come out on top in this duel. Elliott has to make Rice play D by taking
him to the hole whenever he can and stick to him like glue in defense so Rice doesn't blow the
Spurs away.
Mario Elie (6-5) V's Kobe Bryant (6-7)
Once again a match-up between hard nosed defense and flashy offense. Mario had a bad series against Minnesota and will be ready to come out and play to his full potential in this one. Super Mario must not let Kobe blow by him on offense and let him settle for less effective deep outside shots.
The Verdict
Mario Elie is a proud player and he'll be ready to play in this series. Kobes athleticism will
be a big worry for him though.
Avery Johnson (5-11) V's Derek Fisher (6-1)
This duel between two of the more underrated point guards in the league will be one to watch. AJ was great versus Terrel Brandon last series and needs to stand tall in this match-up if the Spurs are to advance.
The Verdict
AJ will continue his great form in the playoffs and win this matchup unless the Lakers are
smarter than the Suns, Jazz and T-Wolves teams that we've played in the past and don't let AJ
take his medium range jumpshot.
The Spurs Bench V's The T-Wolves Bench
As was the case with the Timberwolves, the Lakers will play their big three players (O'Neal, Rice and Bryant) for as long as they can reasonably do so. The Lakers have capable reserves in Robert Horry, Rick Fox and the veteran Derek Harper.
The Verdict
If Shaq does get in foul trouble they will have trouble containing the Spurs three big men in
Robinson, Duncan and Perdue. This could turn the tide for the Spurs in a lot of games.
This will be a fantastic series to watch. Spurs fans still are not happy with just making the second round and expect their team to advance. If the Spurs can get through this round then I see no reason why they can't win the whole thing. This round will be very tough though.
This series will go the full distance, but I see the Spurs coming away victors in the end. The Spurs in seven.
GO SPURS!!!
Can the Spurs dispose of the Lakers? Step on the Soapbox and have your say.
