Cavaliers' To Do List Versus Spurs

Far be it for me to offer the Cavaliers' coaching staff advice prior to game #1 of the '07 NBA Finals. But here goes anyway.

Keep Tony Parker out of the paint.

That's easier said than done. In '05-06, Parker scored more points in the paint than any other player in the league. That's impressive for a six foot point guard. Hughes, Gibson and Snow need to stay in front of Parker and force him to knock down perimeter jumpers instead of causing havoc inside.

Make Tim Duncan, who is not a good free throw shooter, beat you at the line.

The Cavaliers need to avoid the urge to double the post thus freeing up the Spurs' perimeter shooters. That means using all your big men and their six fouls on "Big Fundamentals." If he knocks down 16 of 20 charity tosses per game - then so be it.

Win the rebounding battle and get out and run. Do not allow the Spurs' defense to settle in and lock you down. They are the best team in the league at taking away your first and second options in your sets, forcing you into shots you do not want to take.

Post up 23. Use LeBron James in the blocks against the much smaller Bruce Bowen. The Spurs will be forced to double - which will allow the Cavaliers to get open perimeter looks. If the Spurs choose to play it straight up, James must finish inside playing with his back to the basket much better than he did in the regular season.

And last but not least - make your free throws. Simple but crucial.

We still see it 4-3 Spurs based on experience and their "Big Three." But anything is possible, especially if 23 continues his Superman act, Gibson plays well once again and one other Cav steps up and has a quality series.

The Cavaliers match up better with the Spurs than the high octane Suns and Mavs. They (Cavs) built their program based on the Spurs' model. Their GM and head coach came from that organization. They, like the Spurs, emphasize defense first.

On paper, the best player in the series is James with Duncan slightly behind. The problem is the next two top talents wear Spurs uniforms (Parker and Ginobili). That is why the Cavaliers are 5-1 underdogs in Las Vegas, along with a lack of Finals' experience.

That is why the mentor (Spurs) is expected to beat the pupil (Cavs) this time around.