Re: Cleveland VS. Memphis Game 6
This is going to be a real test as Memphis is a solid team with a solid coach. I think we have about 3 keys to winning this thing.
1) Perimeter defense: The 3 pointers destroyed us last game. Snow, Hughes, and Lebron must keep up the defensive pressure, even beyond the arc instead of sagging off. This would be easier if Lebron and Larry get more rest than normal since playing that kind of tight D and then pounding it on offense is going to tire any player out quickly.
2) Take it inside. Gasol is no doubt an offensive giant, but dumping it inside on every possession will force him to work on the defensive end and maybe pick up enough fouls to be taken out of his normal minutes. The Grizzlies aren't as deep as last year, so getting their bigs in foul trouble will pay off. As we've seen, this team can hit the free throws, and it helps us control the tempo of the game. As good as the cavs are on transition O, I still don't like our ability to play transition D.
3) Let the perimeter game develop. All of a sudden, the Cavs aren't dead last in the league in 3 pointers, and everyone feels like chucking up marginally open treys or shots from 3 feet beyond the arc with 16 seconds left on the shot clock. Our gunners are MUCH more effective on the catch and release, wide open off the extra pass than creating their own shot with a guy in their face. We have guys that can hit a 3 now, but lets maximize those looks by playing it inside.
Recognize that Pau Gasol is going to get his points, Eddie Jones WILL nail a couple 3's not matter how good the D is, and Bobby Jackson can and run circles around Snow and D. Jones. Mike Miller and Battier will give us fits too, but if we can stick to the above it should be enough to pull out a win.
