swisscheeseD wrote:Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets
Orlando Magic
Russell Westbrook/Beno Udrih/Tyus Jones
Austin Rivers/Nick Young
Harrison Barnes/Tony Snell
Ryan Anderson/Anthony Tolliver
Tyson Chandler/Jahlil Okafor / Lavoy Allen
Charlotte Hornets
Chris Paul
Tony Allen/Monta Ellis/CJ Watson
Rodney Hood/RIchard Jefferson/Corey Brewer
Marvin Williams/Trevor Booker
Dwight Howard/Al Jefferson/Jason Smith
WINNER : Charlotte Hornets (4-2)This series has been the most difficult for me to judge. I had great conversations about vision and construction with both br7 and j4. I think remi's Magic are the most complete, well-built / thought out squads in this entire competition...but he ran into the 1 team, in my eyes, who have the ability to match-up defensively against his offensive juggernaut.
The Tony Allen selection for br7 was one of the more impactful selections of the mid-rounds. It really solidified his defense, but more importantly, sets the tone for it. He gives them an identity and is a leader through and through. Add Chris Paul and other high character vets to the equation and you have the answer to keep Howard (for the most part) engaged, in check and focused. With CP3/TAllen and even Marv to an extent, the Hornets have the ability to throw some elite/physical perimeter defenders at Westbrook. The Hornets feature one of the higher defensive IQ's in the competition and can also funnel Westbrook into Dwight down-low.
With the Hornets frustrating Westbrook, forcing him into highly-contested shots and making poor decisions with the ball, the onus will be on Harrison Barnes to bring a calmness to the offense, stepping up offensively and being in the right spots. While that basically describes HB's game, he lacks the killer instinct to take over in an alpha role. I actually see him as a rich man's Rodney Hood in this series, with those two almost cancelling each other out. If HB is asked to do too much, its a recipe for failure, especially in the playoffs. I loved his fit with Westbrook in the regular season, and even in his first round matchup against Durant. But that was because Westbrook couldn't be stopped over 82 games and in that 1st Round match-up against Teague (and DLee/Plumlee frontcourt).
Both teams feature a stretch 4 (that were ironically traded for each other), and while Ryno is the much better offensive option (Marv having a down year), Marv certainly makes up for it on the defensive end. These teams are also very evenly matched when it comes to rebounding, but I give an edge to the Magic in terms of bench ability. Monta/AlJeff are cooked and while they can contribute, its only in limited minutes in a limited role. Guys like Swaggy P and Okafor are major upgrades offensively and can really pack a punch keeping the Magic in games, and ahead in them, off the bench.
This series ultimately comes down to the potential to contain Westbrook and being efficient in a CP3-led offense...both of which I believe the Hornets are capable of doing.
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It's funny how many of the matchups turned out the same in both the SIM & Judging.
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