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Old 07-13-2007, 04:17 AM   #6 (permalink)
BadBaronRudigor
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Re: East. Semifinals - #2 Toronto Raptors vs #3 Washington Bullets

Looking at team strengths rather than individual matchups:

Inside Scoring: Traditionally more important in the playoffs, the Bullets dominate this category. Although Jordan was a terrific post-up guard and Nance a very efficient scorer, Chamberlain, Daniels, and McGinnis give the edge to Washington.

Outside Scoring: Although the Bullets bench with Ellis and Hinrich gives great three point shooting if needed and all the Bullets other than Wilt and Daniels have solid midrange games, the presence of Michael Jordan gives the edge to Toronto.

Defense: Jordan, Billups, Nance and Mutumbo are all excellent defenders but Chamberlain, Frazier, and Bobby Jones are all-time greats and Marion, Lever, and Daniels are all noted defenders too. Edge Washington.

Rebounding: Washington has an edge at all five starting positions and with Daniels and Jones off the bench. Edge Washington.

Depth: Mel Daniels is a more dominant player than Antonio McDyess, Dale Ellis than Rashard Lewis, and Toronto has no equivalent of super sixth man Bobby Jones. Edge Washington.

Clutch play: Jordan and Frazier are both legendary playoff and pressure performers. Billups and McGinnis both have finals MVPs though both actually decline in playoff shooting percentage, rebounding, and assists from regular season highs. Wilt scores less but increases his rebounding edge and Lever brings his shooting percentage up over 50% for his playoff career (Marion and Wilt for Washington, Nance, Hill, and Mutumbo for Toronto are less efficient in playoff pressure). Still, Toronto has Michael Jordan; edge Toronto.

So, Washington will have the edge in higher percentage scoring, defense, rebounding, and depth; Toronto will try to stay in the game with their outside shooting until crunch time then rely on Jordan to pull it out over Frazier's clutch play for Washington. Over history, the team that wins the inside battle wins the great majority of the playoffs. Edge Washington I hope.
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Last edited by BadBaronRudigor : 07-13-2007 at 04:46 AM.
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