It’s technique, not trash talk

by Matt Watson on May 5, 2008 4:58 AM EDT

"Jason Maxiell is about as physical as any low-post defender in the league," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He was able to use his strength and leverage to take Dwight out of position."

The key to Maxiell's defensive success against Howard was his ability to use his strength against Howard's lower body, to move him from where his sweet spots on the floor.

"(Howard) has a very strong upper body," said Maxiell, who is listed at 6-7. "But if you get down low and take his legs out, he's not that powerful."

When told of Maxiell's comments, Howard replied, "That's not true. Trust me."

Howard may think Maxiell is talking trash, but I think Van Gundy knows better. All Maxiell is saying is one of the first things elementary school kids learn at basketball camp: defense is all about positioning and leverage, and the best defensive stance is one low to the ground.

The biggest shoulders in the world won't help you rebound if your feet are moved off the block. It's like when a running back and linebacker collide in football: the guy lowest to the ground is the one who can take the hit and keep moving forward.

And, for lack of a clever segue, I'll just end this post now with an entertaining excerpt from a great piece by Austin Kent of HoopsAddict comparing Howard and Maxey:

A high school manchild-turned-NBA man’s man, Howard wasted no time becoming one of the best young big men in the galaxy. And fresh off a first round victory against the Toronto Raptors, he’s ready to prove it. In other words, even your very own mom would blush at the opportunity to invite this man for dinner, not because he’s faster than a speeding bullet or more powerful than a locomotive, but because Dwight Howard is Superman.

Now meet Jason Maxiell. Though it took him four years of college experience and two more buried deep in the bowels of the Detroit Pistons depth chart, Mad Max finally found his way into Flip Saunders’ esteemed rotation. He isn’t tall, he doesn’t smile a whole lot, his arms are long enough for mid-mission spaceship repairs and, unlike the Man of Steel over there, his muscles don’t look like he stole them from an action figure.

If you’re familiar with the DC Comics universe, Jason Maxiell is Bizarro Superman, an inverted replica of regular Superman. If you’re not familiar with the DC Comics universe, Jason Maxiell is simply the reason the Pistons have the best second unit in the NBA.

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From will brinson at the fanhouse:
“With Antonio McDyess dealing with a busted grille, the Pistons Need4Sheed is strong right now. Jason Maxiell and Dice will help out on guarding D-Ho, but Sheed has to stay hot and bring the only size Detroit has, Howard, to the perimeter to guard him.”

Dwight Howard really needs a new nickname, one that doesn’t make him sound like a low class street walker

by Ohad on May 5, 2008 7:56 AM EDT reply actions

I remember Dennis Rodman with Bulls guarding Shaq with Orlando. It looked more like Rodman was guarding Shaq’s legs then Shaq himself but by paying attention to Shaq’s lower body it left Shaq only the ability to swing his arms to knock over Rodman, to pass out of the post, or to go straight up for a shot, or to dribble by Rodman (not Shaq’s strength). Max is doing the same thing to Howard. Howard will get his share of putbacks going over Max but don’t count on him getting his own unless he can hit a 10ft jumpshot.

by joejoejoe on May 5, 2008 9:18 AM EDT reply actions

sheed has great size, but i think max and mcdyess are both stronger than he is. Flip played this absolutely right, he hit Howard with constant updates of fresh legs, and he didnt’ wear out any one defender on Howard. Sheed is the anchor on defense and possibly our best at creating his own shot. It would be a bad for him to wear down and rack up early fouls guarding Howard for too long.

by Kyle on May 5, 2008 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

I agree, keep Sheed off of ‘D-Ho’ for as long as possible and let him save his legs. Even though the Pistons have been playing great lately, eventually we are going to need him to start contributing more on offense. If he spends too much time on Howard, that might never happen.

by Mike in EL on May 5, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions

It is about time we got our attitude back to where it should be. I like the fact that Max got into the fray, like Lewis was hiding a delicious baby from him!

Q Dog

by Q Dog on May 5, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

Come on. It was trash talk. The Pistons just have to back it up by winning game two. If they do, then the trash talk works, and the Magic are demoralized to some degree.

If not, then we get 48 hours of “cocky Pistons” stories, and the Pistons spend a nervous first half of game three turning the ball over.

by kevin s. on May 5, 2008 1:02 PM EDT reply actions

Max has discovered that while “D-ho’s” upper body is Superman strong, his legs are his (ahem) Achille’s Heels – they are baby soft. Delicious, delicious baby.

by Rob G on May 5, 2008 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

I really agree so much.. Maxiell matches Howard so well

by Melvin on May 5, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Haha, so many baby references. Maxiell rules. I think his toughness and willingness to get it on is exactly what the Pistons need. This little feud will hopefully ignite some serious dominance from our guys, and then maybe they can get some rest if they put Orlando to bed early. I’m looking forward to the Celtics/Cavs.

by Garrett on May 5, 2008 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

props to joe dumars for bringing in the Rattler
he gives us another body to use against Howard and Garnett and unlike Double D he gives us some offense as well

by IsraeliPiston on May 5, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

The NBA . . . where Stern’s Spoiled Brat Stars Happen.

by Sauce1977 on May 5, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I agree about Joe making a great move bringing in Rattler. I will be very surprised to see them in the next round, and not Cleveland. Boston could hardly beat Atlanta.

by Wiggles on May 5, 2008 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

There’s a huge difference between saying “If you get down low and take his legs out, he’s not that powerful” and “His legs aren’t strong.”

It really doesn’t matter because Howard can’t lower his center of gravity more than Maxiell. Should be a good game.

by Brad on May 5, 2008 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

Brad – you’re absolutely right about the semantics, and you’re right about it not mattering: D-Ho heard what he wanted to hear, and he’s upset about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him play on fire today. But I also think Max and co. might be the Kryptonite we need…

by Rob G on May 5, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

I honestly do not remember this kind of “fire” in last year’s playoffs. I am SO happy it is happening. I don’t think we’ll lay an egg tonight, as Kenny Smith said, “The switch is flipped.” I totally agree.

Q Dog

by Q Dog on May 5, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

Kevin S. nails it, IMHO.

I would like to see more of the “Detroit is a really, tough, physical team” attitude, both mentally and physically. I want opposing players and teams to be worried about that, and I want the Pistons to be thinking like that. That, of course, was the calling card of The Bad Boys and to some extent the 2004 championship team. But I hadn’t heard any Detroit opponent recently complain or compliment the Pistons for being really physical — I don’t recall hearing any of that during the Philly series, from anyone. These guys should be a little “bad” themselves: try to be mentally and physically intimidating.

by Toledo Joe on May 5, 2008 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn’t be talking any yap, after last series. I’d just concentrate on killin’ teams and then defending the team and one’s self after the mouths start flapping from the other camp.

by Sauce1977 on May 5, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply actions