[Tommy]

By Warren Blatt, Sports Network NBA Editor

(Sports Network) - The 2005 NBA Finals will showcase two great teams. The San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons are efficient at both ends of the court and are led by arguably the two top coaches in the league.

This year's matchup pits the champions of the past two years. The Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in last year's championship round, while the Spurs knocked off the New Jersey Nets in six contests in the 2003 NBA Finals.

Matchups and strategies will constantly be changing in this series. Injuries and foul trouble are just some of the things that can change the outcome of the set. With Detroit's Larry Brown and Gregg Popovich of the Spurs guiding their respective clubs from the benches, this series could turn out to be a classic chess match between two of the most successful generals in the history of the league.

Here are some strategies and variables that could be advantageous for both clubs.


PISTONS KEYS TO VICTORY -----------------------

1. PREVENT MANU GINOBILI FROM DRIVING THE LANE - All-Star forward Tim Duncan is going to get his points and rebounds, but Ginobili is the spark that gets San Antonio's offense moving. The All-Star guard is very effective when he drives the lane, as he is an excellent passer and is able to find Duncan for some easy hoops. By keeping Ginobili out around the perimeter and not allowing him to penetrate, Detroit will take away some easy looks for Duncan and at the same time will force the slick guard to have to earn his points from the outside. The majority of Ginobili's points are created from his ability to penetrate and drive to the basket.


2. CONTROL THE BOARDS - Detroit has to limit San Antonio's second chances on missed shots. It has to own the defensive glass and must be ready to take advantage of any offensive rebounds that come its way. This will also allow the Pistons to be effective in transition and earn some easy points. If the Pistons can accomplish this, it will help them control the tempo of the game and they will be able to keep Duncan and Ginobili in check.


3. KEEP BEN AND RASHEED WALLACE ON THE COURT - The Wallaces need to be on the court for Detroit, which cannot afford for either player to get in foul trouble. The Wallaces will both get a chance to defend the smooth-shooting All-Star Duncan. Rasheed Wallace tends to let his emotions get the best of him, and it effects his play big time on offense and defense. Ben Wallace is the Pistons' catalyst on defense and is one of the best rebounders in the league at both ends of the court. If Ben and Rasheed can avoid getting into foul trouble, that means the Pistons are executing their game plan to perfection.


SPURS KEYS TO VICTORY ----------------------

1. GET TIM DUNCAN THE BALL - Duncan is shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and is averaging a team-best 24.9 points per game in the playoffs. He entered the postseason with a gimpy ankle, but battled through the pain and has returned to his All-Star form. If the ball is in Duncan's hands, the court will open up for Ginobili and point guard Tony Parker. Duncan, who will draw a double team every time he touches the ball, has a great touch around the hoop and is money with his 12-foot bank shot. San Antonio's offense goes through Duncan and by getting him the ball it will make everyone else on his squad more effective.


2. FORCE RICHARD HAMILTON TO WORK HARD FOR HIS POINTS - Hamilton is Detroit's go-to player on offense. He is one of the smartest players in the league and knows how to work off the ball. The Connecticut product, who leads Detroit in scoring (21.3 ppg) in the playoffs, will most likely be defended by San Antonio's defensive-stopper Bruce Bowen. The 33-year-old Bowen, who will turn 34 on June 14th, has to force Hamilton to spend a lot of energy trying to get open for shots. Hamilton is one of the best at using screens, and if Bowen can force him to have to create his own shot it would throw off the Pistons' rhythm on offense.


3. TAKE RASHEED WALLACE OFF HIS GAME - Rasheed Wallace is a big weapon for the defending champions on offense. He has the skills to score inside and from the outside. The Spurs can frustrate the Detroit forward by working him defensively. Whenever he is defending Duncan, the Spurs need to get their All-Star forward the ball and make Rasheed Wallace work to stay out of foul trouble. The Pistons' forward is the type of player that gets agitated easily and it effects his game on both ends of the court. Detroit is a much easier club to beat if Rasheed Wallace is not playing well or is on the bench with foul trouble. Taking Rasheed Wallace off his game would create a domino effect for the Pistons.




06/07 14:07:51 ET



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