Suggested Adjustments
Larry Hughes has definitely earned respect playing hurt. However, at this point the injury is taking away from the team's performance on both sides of the court. I would seriously consider deactivating him for Sunday's game, or Ira Newble, in favor of Shannon Brown. The Cavaliers desperately need Brown's slashing ability to penetrate the Spurs' fantastic team defense. On the other side of the court, Brown may be someone that can give Tony Parker some problems. Although inexperienced, Brown is quick enough to keep up with Parker. Moreover, he is stronger than Parker and should play some tight physical defense.
I would insert Eric Snow into the starting lineup to keep the experience level intact while also keeping Gibson in his key role of instant offense off the bench. Gibson should get at least 30 minutes as the 2nd player off the bench (after Varejao). I would keep Newble activated in case Ginobili or Horry hits a hot streak. Concerning LeBron, I have two suggestions. First, I again recommend using LeBron as a power forward when San Antonio uses their perimeter lineup (Duncan out, Elson or Oberto at 5, Horry at 4, Finley or Bowen at 3, Barry at 2, Vaughn or Parker at 1). Second, the team should use some motion offense and get James free via picks and cuts.
Probable Adjustments
Knowing Coach Brown's philosophy, the main change will be shifting Hughes over to cover Finley while Sasha Pavlovic opens the game guarding Parker. Despite running a conservative offense, I do expect Coach and his assistants to open up the playbook a little bit on Sunday. Z will be used in both the high and low posts. LeBron may see some pick and fades with Donyell Marshall. If the team does turn to a double point guard lineup, look for Damon Jones to find a couple of shots by cutting back and forth across the baseline.
Larry Hughes has definitely earned respect playing hurt. However, at this point the injury is taking away from the team's performance on both sides of the court. I would seriously consider deactivating him for Sunday's game, or Ira Newble, in favor of Shannon Brown. The Cavaliers desperately need Brown's slashing ability to penetrate the Spurs' fantastic team defense. On the other side of the court, Brown may be someone that can give Tony Parker some problems. Although inexperienced, Brown is quick enough to keep up with Parker. Moreover, he is stronger than Parker and should play some tight physical defense.
I would insert Eric Snow into the starting lineup to keep the experience level intact while also keeping Gibson in his key role of instant offense off the bench. Gibson should get at least 30 minutes as the 2nd player off the bench (after Varejao). I would keep Newble activated in case Ginobili or Horry hits a hot streak. Concerning LeBron, I have two suggestions. First, I again recommend using LeBron as a power forward when San Antonio uses their perimeter lineup (Duncan out, Elson or Oberto at 5, Horry at 4, Finley or Bowen at 3, Barry at 2, Vaughn or Parker at 1). Second, the team should use some motion offense and get James free via picks and cuts.
Probable Adjustments
Knowing Coach Brown's philosophy, the main change will be shifting Hughes over to cover Finley while Sasha Pavlovic opens the game guarding Parker. Despite running a conservative offense, I do expect Coach and his assistants to open up the playbook a little bit on Sunday. Z will be used in both the high and low posts. LeBron may see some pick and fades with Donyell Marshall. If the team does turn to a double point guard lineup, look for Damon Jones to find a couple of shots by cutting back and forth across the baseline.