Getting to the point: Carter vs. Hunter
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
No. 7 Pistons (42-40) vs. No. 2 Heat (52-30)
 NBA 2Night analyst Fred Carter knows all about the importance of guard play in the Association. When he was playing back in the early-1970s and earning his nickname "Mad Dog," Carter was an energetic guard who put up impressive numbers in scoring and assists while with the Baltimore Bullets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Throughout the 2000 playoffs, Mad Dog will share his thoughts on the starting point guards for all 16 playoff teams in our exclusive "Getting to the Point" feature.
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ANTHONY CARTER
Team: Heat
Seasons: 1
Ppg: 13.4 | Apg: 7.4 | Rpg: 2.9
When he's on: Anthony Carter does a lot of good things. Carter doesn't have the same experience that Tim Hardaway does, but he can guard people better than Hardaway with his youth, athleticism and quickness. But he's not playoff tested.
When he's off: You will see bad judgment, errant shots and turnovers. Those are the growing pains of a young player. If Hardaway isn't there, and Carter is off his game, there will be nothing hot about the Heat.
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| Hunter |
LINDSEY HUNTER
Team: Pistons
Seasons: 7
Ppg: 12.8 | Apg: 4.0 | Rpg: 3.0
When he's on: Lindsey Hunter has toned down his game. He was once an offensive-oriented point guard who looked to shoot first and pass second. Now he has deferred his game to Grant Hill and Jerry Stackhouse. He initiates the offense, but it comes back to him at the end as opposed to the beginning. He can make the standing 3-point shot and works hard as a defender.
When he's off: He is not shooting the ball. There are some games when Hunter will only take three to five shots. Miami, however, will make him take more shots than he is accustomed to taking. Hunter needs to knock those down to complement Detroit's offense from Hill and Stackhouse.
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What to expect: Carter will concentrate on getting the ball inside to Alonzo Mourning because the Pistons don't defend the interior well. But if the Pistons double-team 'Zo, Carter will get some open looks outside, along with Dan Majerle, Voshon Lenard and Jamal Mashburn. That's what Miami wants.
Expect Hunter to take a lot of shots because Miami will try to take the ball out of the hands of Hill and Stackhouse. He has to knock down his shots or the Pistons will go home earlier than expected. They need him to make shots because Miami will give him all the help they can. Stackhouse and Hill get to the foul line a lot, and Detroit has shot more free throws than any team in the league. Miami could get into foul trouble. The Heat will need to double-team Hill and Stackhouse, which will leave Hunter open. |
