Monday, June 9, 2008

The "Kobe Rules": Defending Bryant

It looks to me like these are Boston's "Kobes Rules":

1. Dont foul him: Keep his FTA low (Against the Spurs in the last round, Kobe had just 11 FT attempts. He must drive the ball and force fouls.)

2. Limit his transition points.

3. Crowd him when he has the ball and give great weakside help. Flood the strong side on pick-and-rolls with Kobe handling.

4. Force his catches way deep on the floor -- not in scoring area.

When Kobe posts-up, as the Lakers cut, Boston brings a extra help-defender over on Bryant. The Celtics might try holding the cutters.