http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/ story?page=ScoutingMagicPistons-Game5 Scouts Inc. Update: Magic vs. Pistons, Game 5 By Mike Moreau Scouts Inc. (Archive) Updated: May 7, 2008 The key question going into Game 5 has nothing to do with the physical state of Chauncey Billups. The focus is now on the mental state of the Orlando Magic after they blew a 15-point, third-quarter lead in a game in which they had complete command. Although the players and coach Stan Van Gundy insist otherwise, this was a devastating loss for the Magic, who thought they had overcome their "inferiority complex" after their decisive Game 3 win. Now all of those doubts have crept back, and the Magic's ability to put them in their past will be the biggest factor in Game 5. The psychological chasm between a 3-1 deficit and a 2-2 tie might be too much for the Magic to overcome now. The Pistons always have questioned Orlando's heart and toughness. The way the Pistons pushed the Magic around in the second half and Orlando's response of frustration and complaining reinforced that opinion. A team that relies on rugged defense and grinding half-court offense just doesn't respect a team that runs and shoots 3s, and Detroit won every hustle play and physical confrontation in the second half - When the Pistons needed a basket, Richard Hamilton went to the post, demanded the ball, and got it four consecutive times. He refused to allow Keyon Dooling to front him, and forced Dooling into committing a frustration foul and then a technical. When the Magic needed a basket, they dribbled around while Dwight Howard made half-hearted attempts to roll down the lane or post up. Orlando must get a more physical offensive game from Howard in Game 5. In Game 4, Howard allowed the Pistons to grab, push and hold him, and he in turn gave up on plays or turned to the officials for help when the ball did not come his way. Howard can be a pouter when he doesn't get the ball, so expect Detroit to be even more physical with him to try to get that frustration level to rise early. In Game 5, Howard must work on every offensive possession to establish position and demand the ball. When he rolls to the basket, he must fight through the initial contact and get to the spot he wants. That's what first-team All-NBA players do. Although Jameer Nelson has been effective getting to the basket on dribble penetration, look for Van Gundy to reel in some of that in Game 5; he'll instead try to get more action for Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Both are at their best when they can catch and shoot, make a quick drive or dribble pull-up jump shot off the catch. In Game 5, look for more pin-down action, as well as the pinch-post screen around the elbow. Either Turkoglu or Lewis can be used as the screener to pop out, or as a threat in the corners who can drive up the middle on the closeout. If Rasheed Wallace defends Lewis, look for Lewis to run off screens and draw Wallace to the perimeter, which opens up his drives to the basket. A big concern for the Magic in Game 4 was Lewis' inability to take advantage of his size with a smaller matchup, as he was unable to post Tayshaun Prince or even Hamilton down the stretch. Turkoglu and Lewis also can create some easy baskets by crashing the offensive glass, especially when Howard has the ball in the post. If their defenders turn to Howard or stay out on the perimeter with them, a quick cut to the basket will give them position. In order for the Magic to push the tempo, they must get more rebounding help from Turkoglu, Lewis, Maurice Evans and Jameer Nelson. The long rebounds turn into fast-break opportunities; their inability to secure the long rebounds on the last few possessions of Game 4 cost them the game. Detroit was able to survive the loss of Billups in Game 4 primarily through the elevated play of its veterans. Lindsey Hunter gave the Pistons a great effort off the bench, and Wallace, Prince and especially Hamilton took on greater offensive roles. We wrote in our Game 4 report that Hamilton relished that role, and nothing exemplified that more than his demanding of the ball in the post in the fourth quarter. There isn't a guard on Orlando's team whom Hamilton doesn't think he can post up, so look for more of the same in Game 5, especially on key possessions. Orlando may be forced to double this action if Hamilton gets it going again. The Pistons posted Wallace, Prince and Hamilton at different times in Game 4, so expect the same for Game 5. The Magic were content in Game 4 to play behind the offensive player and allow the catch in the post, but this proved costly. Expect Orlando to put up more of a fight and front the post in Game 5. Look for Detroit to use Antonio McDyess as the high-low passer from the foul line -post area all to himself. Though the Magic let things get away from them in the third quarter of Game 4, they were one basket away from tying this series at 2. In Game 5, Orlando will continue playing its up-tempo, 3-point shooting game. That has been its formula for winning all year. Look for Howard to bring a more physical, aggressive inside game. The Magic are very capable of winning this game. The Pistons showed their mental toughness and strength of will in coming back to get the win on the road in Game 4. Don't expect them to have a mental lapse in this one. With or without Billups, look for the Pistons' veterans to lead the way once again. PREDICTION: Pistons win Game 5 -- I WANT TO STAND WITH YOU ON A MOUNTAIN I WANT TO BATHE WITH YOU IN THE SEA I WANT TO LAY LIKE THIS FOREVER UNTIL THE SKY FALLS DOWN ON ME --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 59.115.132.141 ※ 編輯: kolay 來自: 59.115.132.141 (05/14 06:44) ※ 編輯: kolay 來自: 59.115.132.141 (05/14 06:48) ※ 編輯: kolay 來自: 59.115.132.141 (05/14 06:48)