Western Conference Finals : Lakers v Nuggets

The matchup we have in the Western Conference Finals for 2009 is not one that many would have predicted at the start of the season. On the one hand, we have the hands-down favourite of the West, in the Los Angeles Lakers, led by perennial MVP candidate Kobe Bryant. On the other hand, we have the sometimes disfunctional, always developing Denver Nuggets that are lead by a player who was not with the team at the start of the season (Chauncey Billups) and a star who is still yet to stamp his membership card as a bonafide consistent superstar, Carmelo Anthony.

Even more unexpected than the Nuggets reaching the third round of the playoffs against the Lakers, is the way in which both teams got here.

The Lakers faced the Utah Jazz in the first round — an opponent that not many would like to have been matched up with. Bryant and friends disposed of the Jazz in five games, despite the good form of the Jazz coming into the playoffs. Following this, the Lakers faced the surprising Houston Rockets. The Rockets, without star Tracy McGrady, shocked the Lakers out of the gate by winning the first game in LA and ultimately pushed them all the way to a seventh game. Was this series a sign of weakness in the Lakeshow? All season long the Lakers had been the team to beat in the West, yet somehow were pushed to their limits by a team missing one of their star players and featuring an inexperienced waterbug point guard, Aaron Brooks. The Rockets may just have been the wake-up call that the Black Mamba needed to drive his team to success.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets took on the much-fancied New Orleans Hornets in the first round, surprisingly disposing of them in five games. Round two saw the Nuggets faced with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that had just sent the San Antonio Spurs packing in a remarkably easy five games. Despite the challenge that many thought the Mavs would present, the Nuggets once again took only five games to dispense with rough justice — a questionable key officiating decision notwithstanding. Many would have expected the Spurs, Mavs or possibly Hornets to make their way out of this side of the West — but not the young and potent Nuggets.

Game One of the series has already hit us before I could get this preview published — and what a game it was! Once again the Lakers showed their vulnerability, letting the Nuggets lead most of the game, before some late game personnel changes allowed the Lakers to grab the lead and hold onto a 105- 103 victory.

Nene dunks on the Lakers: video here.

Whilst Fisher is as solid as they come in the veteran point guard department, a few simple factors have to be acknowledged. Firstly, Fisher is not going to create his own offence. Secondly, whilst DFish is a reliable one-on-one defender, he does not have the athleticism or strength to slow down Billups — one of the premier players in the game. Thirdly, it has to be remembered that Fisher does not play the same primary ballhandler role in the offence as Billups does — he is not required to.

Mr Big Shot has proven this season that he deserves a lot more MVP consideration than he normally receives. The transformation of the Nuggets upon his arrival in Denver and the corresponding decline of his longtime Detroit Pistons, show how valuable Mr Big Shot really is. Billups leads the offence, has the strength to manhandle opposing floor generals on D and really does hit the big shots. What is more, he brings a certain unrivalled swagger to the Nuggets — something they did not have previously.

Big Edge: Billups (DEN)

Kobe Bryant is considered by most to be the most lethal offensive basketball weapon on the planet. He is enough of a veteran these days to have every trick in the book and to be inside the heads of every opponent. Not only this, but the Mamba plays both ends of the floor with an unrivalled intensity.

Smith on the other hand is the type of player that Kobe once was — a raw, inconsistent offensive talent with athleticism, mad range and absolutely no fear. Whilst it is unlikely that Smith will ever reach Bryant’s level, he certainly has the ability to go off for a big game once in a while — but will also go missing for games at a time.

Big Edge: Bryant (LAL)

Lamar Odom is one of those players that can be a game changer, but doesn’t seem to always want to take on that role. He’s amazingly multi-talented, with freakish ball-handling skills for a man his size, can score in bunches and grabs rebounds. Coach Phil Jackson has shown disappointment at times that Odom simply can not be relied upon to perform every night, making him the perfect complementary piece to Bryant’s dazzling consistency. He’ll be the difference in some games for the Lakers and in others he will leave LA fans scratching their heads.

Melo has proven himself as a top-flight scorer in this league — a player that can do it inside or outside with his quick, yet rugged body. The addition of Billups to the team has clearly taken the leadership burden away from Anthony to an extent, meaning he can concentrate on what he does best, putting the ball in the basket. After a fantastic 2008 Olympics campaign, Melo rolled that into a great season, boosted by the addition of Billups early on.

Edge: Anthony (DEN)

Pau Gasol, whilst not going missing for whole games at a time like Odom, will go missing for entire halves of games. This has already cost the Lakers in some of their 2009 playoff games. A fantastic big man scorer, who makes use of his limited athletic abilities, his addition in 2007-08 put the Lakers over the top as a championship contender. Pau will play major stretches at centre, with Odom shifting over to the PF role. He rebounds the ball well, despite the fact he rarely gets more than an inch off the floor.

K-Mart is a poster-child for making it after major surgery. At one point it looked like his career was over, but he has come back with a vengeance, being a force inside for the Nuggets as a scorer, rebounder and defender. He still gets up there with many of the best and is fearless like a wounded animal. This is the type of matchup that can cause problems for Gasol, particularly when paired with the high-flying antics of the Bird Man Andersen off the bench.

Edge: Gasol (LAL)

C ¦ Andrew Bynum (LAL) v Nene Hilario (DEN) ¦ The Next Great Big v The Brazilian Beast

Bynum has not been himself after going down with injury and making a return in time for the playoffs. He has played limited minutes for the LakeShow since his return, not showing the intimidating presence that he has proven he can be. When healthy, Bynum can score inside and intimidate opposing offences — but don’t expect much of either based on recent form.

Nene has had a career year, throwing the ball down with passion, playing rough-and-tumble defence and generally making his presence known on the court. It’s hard to believe that the Brazilian big had major surgery in the off-season, as he has been dominant for the most part.

Edge: Nene (DEN)