Orlando Sentinael - "Matt Barnes will cover Ray "

[moiso]

I like the matchups for both of our guys.  I like Barnes but I don't think he can stay with Ray.  And lucky Paul- he's going from Lebron guarding him to Vince.  If Paul has any life in his legs, he should be able to get right by Carter whenever he wants.

[snively]

I was reading a few comments on the Magic blog and they were quite complimentary about Carter's defense on Pierce during the regular season. Saying that he did very well.

I can't remember much about Carter defending Pierce ... Does anyone else remember this?

I don't remember much about Carter's defense against Pierce (he was primarily guarded by Barnes), but I remember Pierce's inability to generate anything good against the Magic.  Howard stuffed all of his inside looks and he couldn't get his mid-range game going. 

Even if Carter plays him fantastic, he should have a better series than against Cleveland.  LeBron's physical advantages and quick hands almost made Pierce an offensive liability with the ball in his hands.  Carter has never been that intimidating of a defensive player.

[Jon]

I think this is Van Gundy saying to himself, "who's a good defender on my team...oh...Matt Barnes" without really taking any consideration into what the matchup will actually be like.

Still, I'm not sure that Vince Carter (a noted matador) would do any better.  I think this is a great series for Ray and Paul to both go off.  They'll likely need that, since KG is going to have a bit of a tougher time.  While I still think he can post Rashard, it'll be harder knowing that Howard is lurking behind. 

I'd also love to see Rondo penetrate early and get Howard into early foul trouble. 

[jdpapa3]

Pierce should bounce back well because anybody is going to pale in comparison to Lebron's defense, besides maybe Artest. I thought that was an underrated part of the series: Lebron was shutting down whoever he was covering. He even ran Pierce off of the 3 pt line. And I just get the feeling Pierce will get pretty much whatever look he wants against Vince.

What about the other way around? Ray on Vince? Or Pierce on Vince? I say you start Pierce on him to give him a strong physical presence and watch him wilt real early. I'm good either way. There are positives and negatives to both guys covering him. Should probably be split.

[Who]

What about the other way around? Ray on Vince? Or Pierce on Vince? I say you start Pierce on him to give him a strong physical presence and watch him wilt real early. I'm good either way. There are positives and negatives to both guys covering him. Should probably be split.

I think they should start off with Ray on Vince and let Pierce defend Matt Barnes. Late in games, I would prefer to see Pierce take the assignment though.

I would also like to see Pierce take Vince if Vince using a heavy dose of post ups + isolations because I think VC has a very good advantage in both those areas against Ray but not against Pierce. However, if Carter is instead using a lot of pick and rolls - which is what he has been doing for most of the season for the Magic - then I'm happy for Ray to defend Vince for most of the game ... and just have Pierce switch onto Vince late.