March 23, 2010

By Jason McGuinness

PFOL FINALS INSIGHT

PG
Stutz vs. Neff
Wow. Interesting matchup here. Both gritty players who play fundamental “D” and will constantly reach in. If we kept track of fouls they could both be in foul trouble by tip-off. Neff may try to use his height advantage here, but Stutz is not afraid to body up anyone on the court (or intentionally foul them) His constant workouts at nearby Nifs have made him one of the stronger PG’s in the league. Two very competitive players here. This one could be intense.
Advantage: Neff

SG
Richie vs. Troy
Consistent shooter vs. streaky shooter. Rich holds the 1993-1994 Indiana HS FG % record in Shelby County. Troy is known to knock down 5 threes in a row or miss 5 free-throws in a row. Troy has a motor 2x Tyler Hansbrough, so he will try to be all in Richie’s face. I currently hear Troy eating chips, so Richie may get more looks than originally expected. If Troy is on a good streak it could be trouble for team one.
Advantage: Richie

SF
Alan vs. Vance
I think this is the biggest match-up of the Finals. Alan has found his 3 point shot in recent games and is a force when going baseline. Vance may be the one and only guy who can slow Mowery down with his similar size, strength and athleticism. The question is will Alan put his “Defensive Game Face” on and contest Vance’s mid-Range Shots?
Advantage: Alan

PF
Burger vs. Jake
Huge intimidation factor here. Enough said. Good luck Burger.
Advantage: Jake

C
Henry vs. Jared
Henry is averaging over 15 rebounds per game in the playoffs, and really was the reason why his team is in the Finals. Jared is one of the best players in the League when he wants to be. If he can keep Henry off the Glass his team will prevail. Also, Henry may have difficulty guarding Jared, because he doesn’t prefer to play D outside the paint and Jared can shoot.
Advantage: Toss Up (maybe slightly to Jared)

BENCH
Zach – He will still be less than 72 hours removed from Vegas. I would recommend sitting him in Game 1.
Hansen – 3rd times a charm, give him the Game Winner, he will be open.
Advantage: Zach

Team ONE in 3 games.



Jason McGuinness can be reached at:
Direct: 317-917-2948
jmcguinness@pacers.com

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