[外電] Phoenix is a mismatch for the Clips
Phoenix is a mismatch for the Clips
By Joe Stevens, Staff writer
EL SEGUNDO — With the dream matchup tentatively titled "The Hallway Series"
no longer a part of reality, the Clippers practiced for the first time
knowing for sure that their opponent in the Western Conference semifinals is
the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns present an entirely different scenario than the Lakers would have
and perhaps more difficult matchups. There is no tentative title for this
series, but "The Mismatch Series" might as well be it.
Phoenix and the Clippers have completely different strengths. While
the Suns typically play small lineups, fastbreak frequently and shoot
3-pointers, the Clippers prefer a slower game with an offense centered around
big men Elton Brand and Chris Kaman.
If the Clippers take advantage of the mismatches, they could have an edge.
But doing that won't be easy.
"It's going to be difficult for me defensively," Kaman said Sunday. "I'm
going to have a rough matchup with either (Boris) Diaw or (Shawn) Marion.
That's going to be hard for me. But I'm sure that's going to put them in a
tough situation with me and Elton inside. We're going to try to pound it
inside."
In a sense, the Suns present similar matchup problems against any opponent.
But there may be a difference between how the Clippers deal with those
problems, as opposed to how the Lakers did in the first round of the playoffs.
"The Lakers have one big guy who does a decent job," Kaman said. "We have two
big guys who do a great job, and maybe even more with our guys off the bench."
It might appear that Kaman and Brand would love playing Phoenix because they
should have the advantage on offense. The difficulties on defense, however,
may outweigh the opportunities on offense.
"I'd definitely prefer something more conventional," Brand said. "You got
guys, Boris Diaw and Shawn Marion and Tim Thomas, who are outside threats and
penetrators. It's definitely a different matchup for any big player."
All available
Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said that his entire roster, including Zeljko
Rebraca and Vladimir Radmanovic, is expected to be available for tonight's
Game 1.
Rebraca had been experiencing shortness of breath, and Radmanovic had a sore
right knee.
Tonight will be the first time the Clippers have played in a week. While the
layoff helped some injuries heal, several players said they are weary how
they will respond early because of the long break.
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_3796806
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