Utah Jazz: Brewer excited to guard Kobe
But if Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer lost any sleep this weekend thinking about this overwhelming job, it was only because he couldn't wait for today's 1:30 p.m. tipoff for the Western Conference semifinals and not because of nightmares.
And, yes, Brewer is perfectly aware he'll be facing Kobe Bryant, the soon-to-be-named MVP, and not Coby Karl, the rookie with the similar first name.
For Utah's second-year shooting guard, going from guarding Houston's Tracy McGrady to Bryant — who next, Michael Jordan? — is an honor and an exciting challenge.
Whether or not Bryant goes off — or helps his teammates do so — is a major story line that will likely determine who wins this intriguing second-round match-up.
"You face tough guys every night," Brewer said. "That's what I love so much about the NBA and (why) it was my dream to come here and play against these guys I watched in high school."
Considering Bryant already had three NBA championship rings when the 23-year-old Brewer was going to prom — not to mention that Bryant and the Lakers are on top of their games right now — the Jazz's starting shooting guard knows he is in for the challenge of his basketball career.
Hardly.
Brewer, who's playing with a tweaked hamstring, looks at this as a prime opportunity to "make a name" for himself.
"He's a great player, one of the premier players in this league, so it's going to be a tough task," Brewer said of guarding Bryant. "It's kind of a step up (from the first round). But you've got to challenge him, make him take tough shots. ... It seems when he gets it going there's no stopping him. You've got to deny him the ball, make him work and hope that you can tie him down."
Or do something illegal to keep him away from the arena.
Since they likely won't resort to foul play, the Jazz are planning on changing things up on Bryant. They know they can't stop the 6-6 talent, who averaged 29.8 points on 56.3 percent shooting in their regular-season series that the Lakers won 3-1. But they hope to contain the athletic and versatile phenom.
As eager as Brewer might be, he certainly won't be left alone in trying to slow Bryant down. Several guys — maybe at the same time — will help out.
"It's all about team defense," said Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who's likely to get some Bryant time. "It's all about helping each other defensively. If we're going to be motivated and very concentrated we'll be fine."
The tricky part will be finding a happy medium with defensive tactics. Guard Bryant too tightly outside — or double-team him — and you risk leaving the interior wide open and/or having him blow by you. Back off and give him space, and he's likely to go off from long range or get other players involved.
Recent comments
Quote:
"D | 7:57 a.m. May 4, 2008
Kobe wont score 40...
West_Coast_Air_Force_Guy | May 5, 2008 at 9:55 a.m.
How many points did Kobe have????? Are you still excited?
Hey Brewer | May 4, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
re: To Rich:
Some are pots...and some are kettles.
Love...
Mark in Peoria | May 4, 2008 at 10:19 a.m.
