Hello from air and AB's room!
A few pieces of defense of the Cavs here, while I'm still unpacking...
1. Our versatility defensively will be an asset in this series. The Knicks have elite scorers at every position except PG, and we have elite defenders at every position (except PG ). Coach Hollins will have the versatility to increase Gerald Wallace's minutes - or even start him - to limit Jeff Green. If Z.Bo becomes a force off the bench, Hollins can quickly sub out Garnett in the first quarter so that his minutes line up with Z.Bo's. We have a ton of flexibility defensively.
2. Once again, we have more desire and know-how to win than the Knicks. KG - as arguably the smartest player in this entire series - will lead the Cavs to victory on more than one occasion. The Knicks, as balanced at they are with their starting lineup and bench, are extremely inexperienced, and this will hurt them.
3. Ty Lawson will go off in this series. Rubio's defense has always been weak, and Lawson's quickness will be hard for him to handle. I'm expecting around 20 ppg in this series from Ty, maybe more.
I have to get back to unpacking. Sorry I can't be more present during this round, but I'll leave you one last thought courtesy of my buddy ron...
In another note I definitely see Cleveland beating New York/Boston.
But this just isn't true...At all.
Rubio was second in steals last season with 2.4 per game. And it really wasn't due to gambling much. According to stats when Rubio is on the floor, his team gives up less points per possession than when he is on the floor.
Here is a quote from Rick Adelman, who is one of the leagues best.
For all that he provided at that end, they might miss his defense more. "I think we're really going to miss him there because he's really good at keeping his guy in front of him," Wolves coach Rick Adelman said. "That's probably the biggest thing."
Other Rubio quotes and links:
Here from ESPN:
"it looks right now like Rubio is already a difference-maker defending NBA guards, and that his impact on defense rivals all that stuff he's doing at the other end."
"You also might notice a lot of opposing guards simply coughing up balls against Minnesota. If you rewind and watch again, you'll notice a lot of those were poked free by Rubio, even if he is not credited with all those steals."
"the Timberwolves' have added a defender who makes a difference, and he happens to be the most exciting young offensive player in the NBA."
"Rubio is a fantastic help defender; arguably the best in the league from the backcourt."
http://fansided.com/2013/03/26/ricky-rubio-defensive-wizard/There is NO WAY Lawson goes off. He is being guarded by a well well above average defender in Rubio and when Rubio takes a break he will be guarded by an even better defender in Hinrich.
I dont see why the Knicks are getting such a bad wrap defensively. The Cavs have a good defensive squad (KG, Wallace, and Allen) but the Knicks have Rubio, Green, Hinirch, Garcia, Sanders (possible DPOY candidate), and Lopez (and his 2+ blocks per game). The Cavs will be able to slow the Knicks offense down but who puts points on the board, especailly when the Knicks defense is perfectly adequate to stopping any team.
The stats dont lie ladies and gentlemen (mostly gentle) numbers show in head to head matchups Lopez, ZBo, and Sanders especially all out played KG in head to head match ups and he is now a year older.
Also shows that Martin can handle Allen at an above average rate or at least consistent numbers.
Green will be able to handle Wallace and Butler on defense and wont see much of a downgrade on the offensive end.
Downlow the Knicks have a huge advantage. Even if the Cavs slow the Knicks down it won't be enough to put points on the board.
Like I said. The evidence is there to support a win for the Knicks.