Western Conference Head-to-head matchup

Published: Sunday, May 20, 2007 12:34 a.m. MDT
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A close-up look at the matchups in the Western Conference Finals

POINT GUARD

Deron Williams: Utah's second-year playmaker has been as good as any point guard in the NBA at times this postseason — like in the Jazz's Game 1 win over Golden State when he scored 31 points with eight assists. But Deron Williams has also seen some growing pains during the playoffs. He got into early foul trouble trying to guard Baron Davis in several games and was just 1-for-11 shooting in the Game 5 clincher against the Warriors. Overall, Williams has been outstanding all season long and played at an All-Star level — even if he was snubbed when the actual All-Star Team was announced.

Tony Parker: San Antonio's Tony Parker was, deservedly, an All-Star this season. He averaged 18.6 points on 52-percent shooting from the field — an extremely high percentage for a guard — during the regular season. He penetrates and can score on layups or pass the ball back out to an open jump shooter. In the postseason he's averaged 19.6 points and 6.2 assists. The suave Frenchman is also the envy of many men because he's engaged to "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria.


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SHOOTING GUARD

Derek Fisher: has loads of playoff experience, having helped the Lakers to three NBA championships. But he is coming off perhaps the most memorable playoff series of his life — having to deal with the cancer surgery of his young daughter while helping the Jazz advance past his former Golden State teammates. Fisher came right off a plane to sink a huge 3-pointer in Utah's overtime win in Game 2 and then was clutch in the fourth quarters of both Game 4 and Game 5 victories. Fisher may not be Utah's best player, but he certainly has already become the team's inspirational leader in just his first season as a Jazzman.

Bruce Bowen: has been the ultimate team player for the Spurs since 2001 and was a major contributor to NBA title runs in both 2003 and 2005. He is a hard-nosed defender that has been on the NBA's All-Defensive first team four times — including this year — and second team three times. His tenacity of defense has led to him being called a "dirty" player by some during the Phoenix series. He can also shoot, having led the NBA in 3-point percentage during the 2002-03 season. He's made 45 percent of his shots beyond the arc during the playoffs this year.


SMALL FORWARD

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Deron Williams
Deron Williams
Gallery (12 photos)