Sunday, May 4, 2008

GRADES FOR ROUND 1 (starters)

Derek: B
solid series overall. really stepped up in the third quarter of game 4 to put the series away. The guy's leadership and quality play has really rubbed off on this team. He did a good job of stopping Iverson's penetration throughout the series and forced him to make jump shots.

Kobe: A
He carried us in game 2 and the 4th quarter of game 4. Denver had no answer to his total offensive repertoire he put on display, shooting 50% from the field and really getting his teammates involved. He started the series off slowly, with a lackluster performance in game 1, but really showed why hes the MVP in the next 3 games and completely took over the series.

VladRad: C+
Offensively he was almost a non factor throughout the first 3 games, with the exception of a nice pass or two to Gasol. He really disappointed in his three point shooting, but its hard to blame him because he was working so hard defensively on Carmelo Anthony, and although he could have done better, did a relatively good job forcing him to hit contested shots whether from the outside or in the paint.

Lamar: B
The guy is a flat-out stud. He can do anything on the court, and do it well. His play in game 1 was phenominal, as he completely dominated the denver defense. He and Pau have really developed a nice two man slashing game with each other with both being excellent passers and finishers. He was in foul trouble for all of game 2, but continued to play terrifically, especially on the boards and on defense throughout the rest of the series.

Pau: A-
As much I loved Pau's performance in the series (especially game 1), I'm grading him harshly here with an A- because i feel had some trouble scoring on Camby 1 on 1. It seemed like every time he tried to go at him the ball was knocked loose from his hands or he got blocked. That doesn't take anything away from the fact that he averaged 22 points on the nuggets and finished everything around the basket. I just wish he would have been more aggressive with Camby and tried to take him more often.

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