The first seed Cleveland Cavaliers easily handled the Detroit Pistons in round one of the NBA playoffs, winning the series four games to zip. However, the fourth seed Atlanta Hawks had a much tougher time dispatching the fifth seed Miami Heat, finally taking the series in the seventh game. In the regular season, the Cavs took the series 3-1. However, one game was a one-point win and another a six-point victory.
The Cleveland Cavaliers put up an average of 100.3 points per game against the Pistons while holding Detroit to an average of just 91.4 points. Now it’s Atlanta’s turn to try to stop the Cleveland juggernaut. The first thing they will have to do is control LaBron James. They won’t be able to stop him, but if they can reduce his output on both ends of the court, they’ll have a slight chance of winning a game or two. There is nothing small about small forward James. In the first series, he led the team in points (32.0), rebounds (11.3), assists (7.5) and steals (1.5). Of course, it’s not all James. Four other players are averaging double figures in points. From the perimeter, shooting guard Mo Williams and point man Delonte West provided a total of 26.3 points and 9.5 assists per game. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has been effective with 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.25 blocks per contest. Finally, power forward Joe Smith has been good for 10.8 points and 5.5 rebbies per game. This team can pass, shoot and rebound. They can also defend.
The Atlanta Hawks certainly have the their work cut out for them. They have no one who matches up with James. (Then again, who does?) The perimeter game is handled by point guard Mike Bibby and shooting guard Joe Johnson. Bibby, who put 14.9 PPG on the board against the Heat, is a smart veteran and an able playmaker. In the first round, Johnson led the team in scoring, averaging 17.1 points per game. The Hawks’ inside game revolves around power forward Josh Smith. Smith took down 8.9 RPG, put up 16.3 PPG and had 1.6 SPG and 1.9 BPG versus Miami. At center, rookie Al Horford has played admirably. He’s a solid rebounder and a good scorer. During the regular season, he hit 53% of his shots from the floor. In the playoffs, that percentage went down to 46%. If he can get his accuracy on the upside, that will help. At small forward, starter Marvin Williams looks to be out with a wrist injury. He played three games versus Miami and was out for the final four games. If he can get back in the lineup, that will be a big help. It will be even better if he’s healthy. If he cannot play, then backup Maurice Evans will get the nod.
The Cavs are on a mission and James is leading the charge. The Hawks have an uphill battle and will be hard-pressed to get this series to a game six. If they can do that, then anything can happen. Cleveland will take this series four games to one.
