Human Victory Cigar

Chauncey Billups vs. Kirk Hinrich.

 

The first in a series of fan previews and matchup analysis from the members at Pistonsforum.com

Max

Billups but Closer than most will think.

Advantage: Detroit

 

TaShawn

Scoring-
Billups and Hinrich score similar amounts per game. However, Billups averages 5.5 FT makes per game to Kirk’s 3.0. Hinrich is surprisingly more efficient from the floor with an eFG of 51.5% to CB’s 49.4%. The hidden stat here though, is that Chauncey draws fouls on 14% of hit shot attempts vs. 8% for Hinrich. And as we all know, CB can draw fouls at will when it really matters. When you factor the FT’s in, CB is more efficient. Edge- Billups.

Being a point guard-
Chauncey is a better passer in that he gets more assists, and he turns the ball over less. Edge- Billups.

Defense-
They are both very good defenders for “big” guards. Since they will be guarding each other, their size weakness won’t be exploited. Hinrich commits more fouls per game, but since PG’s are forced to strategically foul (to stop fast breaks, when there is a foul to give, to stop the clock in the end-game, etc.), I won’t count it against him. No clear winner here, they are both solid.

Other-
I have to believe that CB will be more relaxed because of all his experience. Finals MVP, a million playoff games, and NBA Champion carry weight here.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Jammertime

Looking at the stats, these 2 stack up very evenly across the board.

Hinrich is shooting better from the field and 3pt line at 44.8% and 41.5% respectively compared to CB’s 42.7% and 34.5% with Kirk taking slightly more of each shot per game. While Billups has the edge in FT% 88.3% vs. 83.5% with CB taking almost twice as many FT’s per game.

Boards, Steals, TOs, Blks and Pts are all even or very close to it. With CB having the edge in dishes 7.2 vs. 6.3 per game.

This will be one of the key match-ups of the series. I’m taking CBs clutch performance, experience and unselfishness over Kirk’s higher shooting percentages in this one.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Dlev59

Great matchup of two savvy PG`s. Hinrich will try and use his speed to blow by CB and draw defenders to him, only to kick it out to an open man. CB should crowd him and steer him in the direction of our bigs. Make him beat us off the dribble, because if his J is on it could spell trouble. CB should use his size and strength to post up Kirk and make him run through screens on the pick n’ roll or pick n’ pop all day.

In other words, make him play defense, perhaps resulting in Mr. Hinrich spending more time on the bench than he would like. He made second team all defense, make him show he deserves it.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Linwood

Take a look at their stats, and these two seem to be very evenly matched. They have almost identical numbers in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, and rebounds. Kirk shoots a little better from the field, and Chauncey a little better from the line. This should be a very close matchup.

But it won’t be.

Looking at the efficiency ratings for both players, Mr. Hinrich has a very respectable +10.75, while Mr. Bigshot has a mindblowing +24.75.

Smooth has a Finals MVP Trophy, a Championship Ring, a mink coat, a new baby, and bills to pay. This is his contract year, and I expect him to earn that Max Deal in this series.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Cloudwalker

The most interesting piece of this matchup in my mind is that Hinrich can have a nearly nonexistent game and Chicago can still win convincingly.

It’s not quite the same with Chauncey Billups however, he needs to have a good series in every round if the Pistons hope to beat the top contenders for the title.

In the end I feel that Billups has too many ways to beat Hinrich, and he seems to be playing at a high enough level right now to utilize of each and every one of them.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Dumars4Ever

CB was very solid against Orlando, while Hinrich struggled some with his shot and frequently got into foul trouble against Miami. Hinrich’s quickness could give the Pistons some problems, as it did big time when he dominated CB in the Bulls’ blowout win at the Palace near the end of the season. But if CB can back him down and get into the lane, Chauncey should be able to draw some fouls and give the Pistons the edge at this position.

Advantage: Detroit

 

BillLaimbeer

These two will put up similar numbers, but when the game is on the line, Mr. Big Shot is clutch. Experience will also play a role, as Billups has appeared in 90 career playoff games, compared to 16 by Hinrich.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Himat

Chauncey has the advantage over Kirk, but Hinrich will give CB some problems. Lots of pick and rolls will force Chauncey to play a lot on defense. Hinrich is also a very good defender, and Chauncey won’t score easily.

For Chauncey to make a good impact in this series he must use his poise and experience down the stretch to neutralize Hinrich, and to win the series for the Pistons.

Advantage: Detroit

 

Dba

Billups will probably spend as much time on Gordon as on Hinrich and the Bulls will probably switch things up too. In three games against the Bulls this year CB managed to shoot only 29% including 2-11 from three. Take your pick, both Gordo and Hinny outplayed him.

That was then, this is now. CB is coming off a great series against the admittedly weak Jameer Nelsen, but it’s also a contract year and CB is ready to shine. As long as he’s willing to run back on defense and make an effort on the boards, he’s going to pose all sort of problems for the Bulls’ guards. If Billups doesn’t average five boards it could be a long series for the Pistons.

Advantage: Detroit

 

The Low

While Billups has shown he can provide big shots at big moments, Hinrich does the one thing well that Chauncey has trouble with. Dribble penetration. I expect Chauncey to take the first half off every game this series unless Detroit gets down 3-2, then he will come out firing. Look for Hinrich to get lots of penetration off screens and force the Detroit defense to collapse possibly opening up perimeter shots for the Bulls. Determining Factor: Can Billups 2nd half flurries offset the the aggressive drives into the paint that aim to disrupt the Detroit defense.

Advantage: Push

 

Mercury

Hinrich may very well be the Bulls most improved player. His defense has improved significantly. He has also become more reliable from the perimeter. Very good at getting inside.
Chauncey can muscle his way inside and get off his fade away shot on Kirk. Chauncey is the master at drawing fouls.
Individual stats are amazingly similar between the two.
Chauncey will not turn over the ball as much as Hinrich.
Kirk has been able to expose Chauncey on the P&R play so far.
Look for Chauncey to post up Hinrich when the Pistons are desperate for points.

Slight advantage Detroit

Advantage: Detroit