Post by boom on May 3, 2009 22:23:38 GMT -8
We have the #1 offensive team in the west Phoenix Suns matched up against the #1 defensive team in the west Utah Jazz.
This should be an epic match up with two hall of fame PF's leading there team for a chance to get there first ring. Charles has lead the attack for the suns with team highs in points (25.6) and rebounds (12.1). Karl Malone has been playing like a man possess leading the western conference in scoring (31.2) and a team high 11.6 rpg. Both of these guys are getting pretty close to retirement and this might be the best shot for either of them at winning the ring.
Keys to the game
Who can control the pace? Phoenix has a great point guard in KJ who likes to get out and run and with guys like Charles and Coleman who can finish at the rim it will be crucial for the Jazz to keep them out of transition and make this a half court match up
Controlling the boards. Both team rebound very well and can do some major damage on the offensive boards. If either teams bigs get second chance shots the opposing team will have a tough time controlling the pace.
Who wins the Point Guard match up? Can Stockton slow down KJ in the open court? or will KJ be able to disrupt Stockton's flawless execution of the pick and roll? both of these guys make there team go and if one of them can get the better of the other they will win the match up.
X-factor
Derrick Coleman came up big averaging 28ppg when Charles Barkley was out during that short stretch in the playoffs. Does he keep the momentum going? can he free up some easy buckets for Charles?
Prediction
phoenix in 6
This should be an epic match up with two hall of fame PF's leading there team for a chance to get there first ring. Charles has lead the attack for the suns with team highs in points (25.6) and rebounds (12.1). Karl Malone has been playing like a man possess leading the western conference in scoring (31.2) and a team high 11.6 rpg. Both of these guys are getting pretty close to retirement and this might be the best shot for either of them at winning the ring.
Keys to the game
Who can control the pace? Phoenix has a great point guard in KJ who likes to get out and run and with guys like Charles and Coleman who can finish at the rim it will be crucial for the Jazz to keep them out of transition and make this a half court match up
Controlling the boards. Both team rebound very well and can do some major damage on the offensive boards. If either teams bigs get second chance shots the opposing team will have a tough time controlling the pace.
Who wins the Point Guard match up? Can Stockton slow down KJ in the open court? or will KJ be able to disrupt Stockton's flawless execution of the pick and roll? both of these guys make there team go and if one of them can get the better of the other they will win the match up.
X-factor
Derrick Coleman came up big averaging 28ppg when Charles Barkley was out during that short stretch in the playoffs. Does he keep the momentum going? can he free up some easy buckets for Charles?
Prediction
phoenix in 6
