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Re: This time around vs. the Cavs
The Wizards right now are playing better basketball than the Cavs. Even though Cleavland made it to the finals last year, they are not the same team as they were last year. They traded Gooden and Hughes who have done well against the Wizards in the past. This series is up in the air much like in 2006. I think the Wizards are a considerably better than in the past because of their defensive play and improvement of their bench.
For the Wizards to win, they have to make LeBron take more jump shots than usual and at times get the ball out of his hands. They should not let him get easy baskets close up and if necessary foul him hard to make him second guess going to rim. I know Stevenson and Butler will primarily guard LeBron but I wouldn't mind mixing it up a little bit by giving LeBron different defensive looks throughout the game. Haywood is going to have to slow down Illgauskas who has killed the Wizards in the past. It will be important for the Wizards to close out on shooters like Gibson and Jones. The Wizards also have to a good job defending the boards which they have not done in the past against Cleavland.
Offensively, the Wizards need to share the ball since the Wizards can find offense from all of their players except McGuire. They need to limit turnovers that lead to easy transition baskets for Cleavland. I would also try to find match ups that make LeBron work on the defensive end of the court. For instance, a lineup of Arenas, Young, Butler, and Jamison would force James to guard one of them.
It's hard to be too confident especially the way the Cavs beat the Wizards back in 2006 in a heartbreaking matter. However, I certainly like the Wizards chances to get to the 2nd round.
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