Panthers vs A Team

We have an exciting matchup here. A Team may be the hottest squad in the league right now and are looking to make another finals run. The Panthers were the best team all season and showed that in the first round beating they put on La Familia. They are especially motivated since A Team was the only team that was able to take down the Panthers during the regular season. Let's dive into the matchups and analyze who has the edge.

PG: Muzz vs Shah
Two long time Crescent members who captain their team but have very different roles. Muzz is a scorer, playmaker and driver of this squad. It’s a team but he is the leader. He still has the scoring chops but can also dish with the best of them. Shah is still feisty all these years later and will provide some game changing plays on defense that spark the team. He is also a great presence on the sideline but as far as on court performance goes Muzz is levels above.
Edge: Panthers

SG: Zaid vs Umair
Zaid can be described in two words, defensive menace. He is super aggressive pressuring the ball and has a slick handle providing another ball handler for this Panthers team. He may be the most underrated player left in the playoffs especially having found his three point shot. Umair has put up big numbers this season and has a smooth turnaround jump shot that is consistent. He gives the A Team another big wing and is a very different player than his Panthers counterpart but the abilities they provide to their team are on par with each other.
Edge: Even

SF: Yusuf vs Isa
These are two talented players with very different styles. Isa is a former finals MVP and a lot of his game is based on youth and athleticism. His length on the floor can jump start fast breaks that he is great at finishing himself. His shooting has improved and he is an all around threat. Yusuf is an interesting case, according to some who know him he is the most talented player in Retro capable of scoring thirty any night and making it look easy. That is not the role he has taken on this team however, he is big on passing and providing energy but we have seen him put up some big games. Knowing what he can do gives us the slight edge here.
Edge: Panthers

PF: Amrit vs Abdullah
This is a case of name value vs on court production. Abdullah has flat out been the most consistent high producing player on the Panthers. He gives you a double double almost every game while providing solid three point shooting. His chemistry with these guys after all these years is unmatched. So far I would say the legend of Amrit is not in line with what he's doing on the floor, don’t get me wrong he is doing well hitting some jump shots and getting some rebounds but much more was expected. Maybe he has been keeping his best game for crunch time but he is running out of time. We will call it a wash since we know what Amrit can do theoretically but we have seen what Abdullah is doing.
Edge: Even

C: Dev vs Hassib
Hassib is a great guy, friendly and always has a big smile on his face. He is a big body and has great chemistry with Muzz and Yusuf. He can hit a three and is solid on the boards. Dev is another beast altogether, probably the most dominant big Retro has had. He has a silky soft touch around the rim and is adept at grabbing offensive boards and going right back up for the putback. When his team decides to play through him he can take over and there are few who can stop him, Hassib included. Dev has a big advantage.
Edge: A Team

Bench
Umer and Musaib are on the Panthers side and Faiq, Nadeem and Cory are with A Team. Nadeem and Faiq have championship experience but Umer has had an amazing late season run and he gives the small edge to the Panthers.
Edge: Panthers

The Panthers have been the best team all season and it is hard to beat a team that good twice. A Team will attack down low and the Panthers will try to work fast and use their unmatched chemistry to turn good shots into great ones. We expect a back and forth battle with tough shot making being the difference.

Panthers 52 A Team 50