May 4, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Joe Johnson (2) controls the ball during the third quarter of game three against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 90-84 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE
Should Doc Rivers change his defensive matchups to prevent the Hawks from running Avery Bradley or Rajon Rondo into the post? Vote now.
The Atlanta Hawks have moved small forward Marvin Williams back into the starting lineup for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics, replacing guard Kirk Hinrich. Why are they doing this? The idea is to force Avery Bradley or Rajon Rondo to guard Joe Johnson. While both Bradley and Rondo are tenacious defenders, they both also give up a lot of height in a matchup with Johnson, one of the best post-up guards in the league.
However, Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe poses a possible solution.
With ATL starting Joe/Smoove/Horford/Williams/Teague, will be interesting to see if Boston has Bradley or Rondo guard Williams.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_SI) May 8, 2012
Williams is even taller than Johnson, but he also posts up less, and a switch would allow the Celtics to keep Paul Pierce on Johnson. Is it worth it for Doc Rivers to tinker with his defensive matchups? Let us know.
Poll
Which Hawks player should guard Joe Johnson
Avery Bradley. Keep it simple (2 votes)
Paul Pierce. Prevent the mismatch (2 votes)
Rajon Rondo. Don't wear Paul Pierce out (1 vote)
5 total votes
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