Getting to the point: Jackson vs. Cassell
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
No. 8 Bucks (42-40) vs. No. 1 Pacers (56-26)
 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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| Jackson |
MARK JACKSON
Team: Pacers
Seasons: 13
Ppg: 8.2 | Apg: 8.0 | Rpg: 3.7
When he's on: Mark Jackson really ignites the team. That means players are being double-teamed, and he's being left open for the 3-point shot. When the ball swings back to him and the clock is winding down, he can knock down the trey on the wing. Or if he has his shot going, teams are forced to double-team him, making him a passer and creating plays for other players. A lot of positive things happen for Indiana when Jackson is on his game.
When he's off: The Pacers are going nowhere. That means he's missing the 3-pointer, he's unsuccessful posting up, his passes are off target, and the Pacers are going home early. He has to have it going for Indiana to be successful.
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| Cassell |
SAM CASSELL
Team: Bucks
Seasons: 7
Ppg: 18.7 | Apg: 9.0 | Rpg: 3.7
When he's on: I like everything about Sam Cassell's game. He has sacrificed part of his offense in order to get everybody involved in the offense. Cassell is among the top five in assists in the league. He still has the ability to play one-on-one and score. He is like a double-edged sword because he is capable of scoring 25 points and posting high assist numbers in a playoff game. He has been to the Finals and won two titles. He also won't run from the big shot in any game.
When he's off: He is a defensive liability. Defense is the only part of his game that is suspect. His defense can hurt the Bucks. If his counterpart scores more than he does, than someone else has to offset his lack of production. Cassell has the potential to create a deficit for his team.
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What to expect: Jackson has an interesting matchup with Cassell. Jackson is a veteran who has been through all the playoff wars. He still has the post-up game, but age has taken away his ability to back guys in, which has hurt his game a little. But what he has done is improve his 3-point shooting. His passing always has been good, but now he will be tested defensively. He will have to guard Cassell, one of the league's top offensive point guards. Jackson still has to run the ballclub, get the ball to the other players, which he does well. But he also needs to make the 3-pointer.
With his ability, experience and courage, Cassell will go after the Pacers' guards on the offensive end. I look for him to play well and be a factor against Indiana. |
