Defense

[buckeye242424]

I'm not a big fan of Stein from ESPN, but he did mention:

Marvin Williams -- one of the eight players Mike Woodson is likely to rely on and one of the most important members of their D-Wade defensive cavalry.

Marvin's defensive presence is an on-going debate, but having him back as another body to throw at Wade is huge over a 7 game series. Not only a body, but one of the best Hawks defenders at containing the ball - keeping people in FRONT of him. The key to containing Wade is forcing him to make 17-20 foot jumpers. If he is going to beat us, make him do it by hitting mid-range jumpers. Marvin's height and length gives him an advantage defensively over Mario. Marvin's athleticism gives him an advantage over Joe. Also, by Joe not guarding Wade can decrease the chances he gets in foul trouble. If Marv can play his usual tough defense, with Al and Josh behind him to contest shots, our chances of containing Wade improve tremendously.

Once Marvin got hurt, I ruled him out for the playoffs. Everyone moved on thinking he was done in 09. Getting him back this time of year was an extremely pleasant surprise, and we're going to need his D.

[khaos7]

Honestly, Marvin's defensive abilities are underrated. Plus, he's a decent rebounder. If he's on his game defensively, we have a good shot.

[DrReality]

It will depend upon an individual but the reality is that it has to be team defense and double teaming him, cutting off passing lanes, etc. We are capable and do it at times, the issue becomes if we can sustain it.

[crimedog]

He's a wing player, which means he can check Wade better than a small gaurd or a front-court player...

[GameTime]

Honestly, Marvin's defensive abilities are underrated. Plus, he's a decent rebounder. If he's on his game defensively, we have a good shot.

He is more than decent at his position.

[frosgrim]

A 2-3 zone will also frustrate Wade while keeping JJ and Marvin from having to run all over the court. Plus it minimizes the chance that Bibby will get switched onto Wade for any length of time.

[exodus]

I would expect to see Marvin spend some time on Beasley as well since Beasley plays like a 3.

[mattlanta]

We're not going to be playing one-on-one against Wade. It will be constant double and triple teams all across the board...

[HamHawk]

We only have to keep him in check. If we can hold him under 32 points, I think we can win. Of course it depends on which Hawks team shows up. . . .

[tonegully]

F MIAMI AND WADE!!!!

Hawks in 5. We are on a mission to prove to everyone and OURSELVES that we are a good team in the east. Starting with the Heat.