have spurs and mavs switched places?

[td4mvp3]

are we the run-and-gun, great regular season destined for a 1st or 2nd round exit and they building on a defensive mindset to get a lower seed but further into the playoffs? mavs looked impressive against utah, spurs struggling with wolves, which i had hoped against but wasn't stunned by.

[itzsoweezee]

are we the run-and-gun, great regular season destined for a 1st or 2nd round exit and they building on a defensive mindset to get a lower seed but further into the playoffs? mavs looked impressive against utah, spurs struggling with wolves, which i had hoped against but wasn't stunned by.

The Mavs look like the team to beat in the west even though the Spurs easily have a better roster than Dallas.

[Mav-elous Man]

I was wondering the same thing. It does seem like the Mavs have become defensive oriented and the Spurs have become more offensive. I just always assumed that with that Spurs core in still in tact, and Pop still as the head coach, the Spurs would address or stress more defense at some point. Its what made them so successful.

[ElNono]

Dallas defended very well under Avery also. And them having a great regular season is not really new. However, they're well aware that success in the regular season don't necessarily translates to going deep in the playoffs.

[FkLA]

Is this a joke?

The Mavs have won 50+ games every regular season this entire decade. They won 67 and looked scary good that Golden State year. Theyve looked impressive before. Theyll find a way to fuck it up come playoff time.

[SpursDynasty85]

Until the Spurs integrate Splitter in to 30mpg, or Dejuan becomes the 18-10 guy we thought in the preseason. THen yes, we are way to weak inside and on defense to win more than one round.

[DesignatedT]

Is this a joke?

The Mavs have won 50+ games every regular season this entire decade. They won 67 and looked scary good that Golden State year. Theyve looked impressive before. Theyll find a way to fuck it up come playoff time.

this

[greyforest]

No.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Is this a joke?

The Mavs have won 50+ games every regular season this entire decade. They won 67 and looked scary good that Golden State year. Theyve looked impressive before. Theyll find a way to fuck it up come playoff time.

:lmao :lmao

it's funny cuz its true

I don't see how that franchise has any fans that believe they'll ever win a championship.

[Hoops Czar]

:lmao :lmao

it's funny cuz its true

I don't see how that franchise has any fans that believe they'll ever win a championship.

Well, DEFENSE wins championships. Dallas is second. The Spurs are 19th. If its not too much of a struggle, do the math.

[crc21209]

No. No one on that Mavs team has a killer winning instinct. From Kidd to Dirk to Terry, they all tend to choke when it matters, unlike the 3 guys we have here who have stepped up plenty of times to get it done in the clutch.

[angelbelow]

Their defense has certainly improved quite a bit. It's not a coincidence that they signed (traded?) for Tyson Chandler this off-season. His post defense is quite superb and hes not a slouch on the boards. I still remember how hard it was for Duncan to earn his points against him in 08. I haven' seen any Mavericks games this season but I'm not surprised.

[SenorSpur]

I have also been wondering the same thing. One thing is clear, the Mavs are playing a level of defense that is superbly better than even back in the Avery era. The difference is Tyson Chandler. His presence on the back line gives their team a frontcourt, rim-protecting, dimension, that they've never been afforded before. Combine that with Shawn Marion or DeShawn Stevenson's pressure on the perimeter, and you have a foundation for their defensive upsurge.

Additionally their head coach, Rick Carlisle, also deserves a ton of credit for continuing to hold his team accountable on the defensive end, just the way Avery did. It's something that he constantly preaches - non stop.

The Mavs could always score, but now they're winning by virtue of getting key stops, when they need them.

Meanwhile, the Spurs team defense has declined with the departure of Bowen, on the perimeter, and the erosion in Duncan's defensive skills and his mobility. IMO, those two key factors are the biggest reasons the Spurs have declined defensively. Without the addition of players, who could even remotely replicate those contributions, and it's easy to see why the Spurs have morphed into a different style of ball.

[100%duncan]

are you out of your mind?

[ChuckD]

I have also been wondering the same thing. One thing is clear, the Mavs are playing a level of defense that is superbly better than even back in the Avery era. The difference is Tyson Chandler. His presence on the back line gives their team a frontcourt, rim-protecting, dimension, that they've never been afforded before. Combine that with Shawn Marion or DeShawn Stevenson's pressure on the perimeter, and you have a foundation for their defensive upsurge.

Additionally their head coach, Rick Carlisle, also deserves a ton of credit for continuing to hold his team accountable on the defensive end, just the way Avery did. It's something that he constantly preaches - non stop.

The Mavs could always score, but now they're winning by virtue of getting key stops, when they need them.

Meanwhile, the Spurs team defense has declined with the departure of Bowen, on the perimeter, and the erosion in Duncan's defensive skills and his mobility. IMO, those two key factors are the biggest reasons the Spurs have declined defensively. Without the addition of players, who could even remotely replicate those contributions, and it's easy to see why the Spurs have morphed into a different style of ball.

Shawn Marion is a ghost of what he once was, and DeShawn Stevenson is flat out fucking horrible. Pop attacked him relentlessly with Ginobili last game until Carlisle was forced to take him out of the game. Dallas no more has a perimeter stopper than we do.

[td4mvp3]

Shawn Marion is a ghost of what he once was, and DeShawn Stevenson is flat out fucking horrible. Pop attacked him relentlessly with Ginobili last game until Carlisle was forced to take him out of the game. Dallas no more has a perimeter stopper than we do.

yeah, but they won that game, and more than marion, who i fully expect to evaporate in the playoffs, chandler isn't really being asked or expected to do anything more than what he is doing, i.e., not score but rebound and defend. i'm just rapidly losing faith in this team, to be honest, this whole bonner thing and jefferson still being shaky (in my book anyway) just seems like another 2nd round exit if the defense doesn't improve and, noting the guy talking about duncan and bowen, that seems like a stretch.

[OrEmuN]

You have mistaken the main problem about Mavs. Regardless of whether they focus on defense or offense, they can never shake off their true identity of being chokers during the playoffs.

[cd98]

Even though Mavs and Spurs have had the best start this season, you wouldn't know it from reading ESPN. Barely has a spurs story been included in a Dime. Judging by their coverage, only Boston, LA, Chicago, Orlando, and Miami are worth following.

But for Cuban and Terry, I'd like the Mavs. Spurs have a slightly better record, but Dallas has had the tougher schedule.

[SenorSpur]

Shawn Marion is a ghost of what he once was, and DeShawn Stevenson is flat out fucking horrible. Pop attacked him relentlessly with Ginobili last game until Carlisle was forced to take him out of the game. Dallas no more has a perimeter stopper than we do.

Shawn Marion is a ghost of what he once was, but right now, he's probably a better perimeter defender than anyone the Spurs have on their roster, as is Stevenson.

[windboy226]

No. No one on that Mavs team has a killer winning instinct. From Kidd to Dirk to Terry, they all tend to choke when it matters, unlike the 3 guys we have here who have stepped up plenty of times to get it done in the clutch.

I'll agree with you on Terry and Kidd but after the type of performances Dirk has had on the Spurs over the last few playoff series-how does anybody that keeps up the Spurs-Mavs rivalry actually think this????

Dirk has been a monster over the past few years and has absolutely been the best player in the last 2 Spurs-Mavs playoff series(no disrespect to Tim or Manu).

[elbamba]

The Spurs are not a bad defensive team. In fact, we play stretches of the game where our defense is great.

By the end of the season, Spurs will be close to the top for defense. When you beat teams by 8+, you are playing defense but sometimes get lazy because you win by so much you can let your guard down.

[TD 21]

Is this a joke?

The Mavs have won 50+ games every regular season this entire decade. They won 67 and looked scary good that Golden State year. Theyve looked impressive before. Theyll find a way to fuck it up come playoff time.

That won't stop fans, namely Spurs fans, from slobbering over them.

I don't get you people. This franchise has won four championships, that franchise has won zero. Yet it's as if this fan base is envious of that team. From their star, to how they're playing at the moment/stylistically, etc. It's ridiculous.

The difference between the old Spurs and the current Mavs is, the Spurs were, not just a good defensive team, but a historically great defensive team and also, they had the best player and best low post player in the game. In order to win a championship, you need a go-to low post player and a go-to perimeter player ('99 and '03 Spurs were the rare examples of a team winning with only one of those two things). The Mavs have neither.

[badfish22]

No. No one on that Mavs team has a killer winning instinct. From Kidd to Dirk to Terry, they all tend to choke when it matters, unlike the 3 guys we have here who have stepped up plenty of times to get it done in the clutch.

Another shitty take from Mr. Vanilla

[badfish22]

Well, DEFENSE wins championships. Dallas is second. The Spurs are 19th. If its not too much of a struggle, do the math.
That kind of math is a struggle to some spurfans

[badfish22]

That won't stop fans, namely Spurs fans, from slobbering over them.

I don't get you people. This franchise has won four championships, that franchise has won zero. Yet it's as if this fan base is envious of that team. From their star, to how they're playing at the moment/stylistically, etc. It's ridiculous.

The difference between the old Spurs and the current Mavs is, the Spurs were, not just a good defensive team, but a historically great defensive team and also, they had the best player and best low post player in the game. In order to win a championship, you need a go-to low post player and a go-to perimeter player ('99 and '03 Spurs were the rare examples of a team winning with only one of those two things). The Mavs have neither.

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao


this might be butthurt post of the year

[TD 21]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao


this might be butthurt post of the year

I'm not the media or the typical Spurs fan . . . I don't get excited and slobber over the Mavs every time they go on a win streak. They're still the same old flawed team.

[jjktkk]

That won't stop fans, namely Spurs fans, from slobbering over them.

I don't get you people. This franchise has won four championships, that franchise has won zero. Yet it's as if this fan base is envious of that team. From their star, to how they're playing at the moment/stylistically, etc. It's ridiculous.

The difference between the old Spurs and the current Mavs is, the Spurs were, not just a good defensive team, but a historically great defensive team and also, they had the best player and best low post player in the game. In order to win a championship, you need a go-to low post player and a go-to perimeter player ('99 and '03 Spurs were the rare examples of a team winning with only one of those two things). The Mavs have neither.

And to think the Spurs accomplished all of those impressive feats in spite of their head coach. Amazing.

[peskypesky]

Mavs continue to be a TERRIBLE match-up for the Spurs. Or more specifically, Dirk is a terrible match-up. We are going to be in serious trouble if we meet them in the playoffs and Splitter isn't capable of guarding him.

[SenorSpur]

Historical perpectives are fine. Yet current facts and issues are really what it's all about. Despite their woeful playoff history, let's not sit here and act as though the Mavs have never beaten the Spurs in the playoffs. Say what you want, they cannot be easily dismissed. They ARE a good team - and whether anyone wants to admit it or not - they are playing defense at a level unheard of for even them. They will, once again, be a formidable playoff foe and a hard out for the Spurs.

For the record, they DO have one component that the Spurs do not - a young, long, athletic, shotblocking, rebounding, center, who changes the flow of traffic to the rim. Chandler's contributions, much like Robinson in his prime, is the primary reason that Mavs are holding opponents to the lower 40% in FG.

It will be interesting to see how all this plays out, once the playoffs commence.

[TD 21]

And to think the Spurs accomplished all of those impressive feats in spite of their head coach. Amazing.

Yeah, because that's exactly what I said.


Mavs continue to be a TERRIBLE match-up for the Spurs. Or more specifically, Dirk is a terrible match-up. We are going to be in serious trouble if we meet them in the playoffs and Splitter isn't capable of guarding him.

Typical Spurs fan.

[WildcardManu]

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao :lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao


this might be butthurt post of the year

Spurs 4
Mavericks 0


any questions?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I think if both teams are healthy, the Mavs would beat the Spurs in 6. The Spurs always play poorly against strong defensive teams.

What sucks, is it feels like even if Pop was given Tyson Chandler, he'd still resort to small ball because he has almost completely abandoned staying big.

[duncan228]

Old rivals Mavs, Spurs quietly sit atop NBA (http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/12/04/10/Old-rivals-Mavs-Spurs-quietly-sit-atop-N/landing.html?blockID=366438&feedID=3742)
By Michael Dugat
FOXSportsSouthwest.com

If you’re perusing the national NBA headlines, averting your eyes after the leading stories, trusting the media’s gaze to guide your interest, it stands to reason that you may be unaware of where teams finding their homes outside of South Beach, and to a lesser extent, Los Angeles, find themselves as the league approaches its quarter mark.

As the reigning back-to-back champions, the Lakers have the means to justify their continued attention, unlike their less-accomplished, prematurely-crowned challengers in Miami.

There are games being played away from the lush beaches of Miami; rolling on where television stars are only on the television, and less often in the stands.

Just over a week ago, almost unnoticed, two of the best teams in the league faced off. There were no stories of fan animosity towards the return of a soiled chosen one. No dramas glorified and dissected to their finest minutia. No raging debate as to whether or not chalk would be tossed defiantly in the air just before the opening tip.

No, there was only the draw found in the promise of an engaging, well-executed and hard-fought game of basketball, a matchup between two teams who have staked their early claims to the best and second-best records in the league. Thus, there were almost no stories at all.

They are long-time rivals, and the fact that their battles have faded from the public’s interest is a bruise to the game they’re playing so well, and to the season they should be helping to define.

Yet, beyond the range of local coverage, they’re sliding along beneath the horizon of notoriety.

Arguably, they’re the two best teams in the league to this point … and yet those outside of San Antonio and Dallas have likely seen little more than a scrolling mention beneath a panel of four analysts deconstructing the nuances, the angles, the speed and direction of the arena’s climate control systems, and the implied intentions behind LeBron James’ shoulder as it made contact with Erik Spoelstra.

You can likely replay the video as a perfect echo in your mind thanks to countless repetition. You can sync it side-by-side, without need of a video player, with the images of James going through near identical motions as he shoulder-bumped Mike Brown years ago.

Yet, if you live outside of Texas and haven’t devoted your own efforts to investigate such matters, are you aware that Manu Ginobli and Dirk Nowitzki are embarking upon the early stages of MVP quality seasons … perhaps displaying the best work of their distinguished careers.

Have you seen stories on the renaissance of Tyson Chandler’s career as he’s led a shifting in the identity of the Mavericks from an offensive force chained to the weight of its deficiencies on the other end of the court, into one of, if not the, best defensive team in the league?

Dallas leads the NBA by allowing opponents to shoot a lowly 42.8-percent from the floor. Ranks second in points allowed (91.6). And, there is no team better at tightening the defensive vice when the game enters the fourth and most vital quarter, where the Mavs hold the opposition to 21.8 points in the final frame.

Have whispers over the redirected course of Richard Jefferson’s career found their way to your ear … and with it, news of a metamorphosis in the method of victory for the surging Spurs?

Seemingly askew to the perceptions carried forward, Dallas now enters arenas as a dynamic defensive force, while San Antonio comes with the threat of a high-powered offense.

Fed by the fuel of Ginobli’s offensive brilliance, Jefferson’s resurgence and Tony Parker’s continued prowess, the Spurs are currently the fourth highest scoring offense in the league, hanging an average of 106.6 points on their opponents … and they’re doing so without the need to rely on their veteran leader, Tim Duncan.

Per game, Duncan is averaging a career low in points (14.2), rebounds (9.5) and minutes (29.9).

Much like Dallas, this is a team who has shed the shell of perception and adapted to a new style of play … of winning.

If you were forced to guess at the four teams sharing the best records in the league, would you put San Antonio (16-3) first, followed by a three-way tie between Dallas, Orlando and Boston at 15-4?

Based on recent success, assumptions would likely lend to the inclusion of Boston and Orlando in the lists of most. But, it is also assumption that most would embrace to explain how these teams have to come to stand where they are.

Other than a handful of stories surrounding the peaks of Rajon Rondo’s amazing rate of gathering assists, where are the stories covering what is driving the success of these teams?

The interest in the Miami Heat is understandable, as is the curiosity enveloping both its success and failures.

It’s justifiable to lead with coverage on the exploits of the back-to-back champs.

In the end, headlines are directed by the attention they draw. As a result of where the early attention has found its focus, the skeleton being pieced together to shape and support the body of the 2010-11 NBA season is forming in the shadows of a shallow, often media-created, near scripted drama … leaving the whole of the game to evolve unnoticed.

To put it in television terms, the world is being shown American Idol, Dancing With The Stars and CSI and is soaking it in with ravenous appetites.

Meanwhile, beneath this massive current, a show providing the depth of The Wire is found by a lucky few willing to take the time to switch the channel and reap the rewards found therein.

Beyond the callous, monotonous, endless spray of coverage directed at one team, there waits an eventful and diverse season of high quality basketball unfolding with San Antonio and Dallas resting at its epicenter … if only it was deemed worthy of further coverage.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/12/04/10/Old-rivals-Mavs-Spurs-quietly-sit-atop-N/landing.html?blockID=366438&feedID=3742

[Agloco]

Well, DEFENSE wins championships. Dallas is second. The Spurs are 19th. If its not too much of a struggle, do the math.

18/82

If it's not to much of a struggle, do the math.

[Agloco]

The Mavs look like the team to beat in the west even though the Spurs easily have a better roster than Dallas.

Don't be dumb. The team to beat? After 18 games and an 8 game win streak? :lol

I'll give you your due if these numbers are even remotely the same as the playoffs start. They won't be though, book it.

[Seventyniner]

Well, DEFENSE wins championships. Dallas is second. The Spurs are 19th. If its not too much of a struggle, do the math.

Defensive efficiency paints a much better picture; the Mavs are 4th and the Spurs are 8th right now.

[TD 21]

Defensive efficiency paints a much better picture; the Mavs are 4th and the Spurs are 8th right now.

It's more fun to pretend the Mavs are some juggernaut that the Spurs need to be scared of. Because we all know the Spurs have no chance against the big, bad Mavs.

When the Mavs were the superior offensive team, it was "they have too much firepower for us". Now that they're a slightly better defensive, but much worse offensive team, it's "they're much better defensively". One way or the other, there's always some reason to pretend the Spurs are the clear cut underdogs.

I don't get this fan base. You'd think they'd look down their noses at the Mavs and their fans. Instead, they act like the fans of the team who have won zero championships and treat the Mavs like they've won four championships.

Say what you want about Lakers fans, but you'd never see them constantly acting like they're scared of and slobbering over the Spurs. And the Spurs and the Lakers are a lot closer success wise in the past dozen seasons than the Spurs and the Mavs are.

[jjktkk]

http://img4.realsimple.com/images/food-recipes/recipe-collections/0506/cupcakes-vanilla_300.jpg
http://img4.realsimple.com/images/food-recipes/recipe-collections/0506/cupcakes-vanilla_300.jpg
http://img4.realsimple.com/images/food-recipes/recipe-collections/0506/cupcakes-vanilla_300.jpg












































http://img4.realsimple.com/images/food-recipes/recipe-collections/0506/cupcakes-vanilla_300.jpg

Whats this? The official food of the Dallas Mavericks?

[ChumpDumper]

a maverick is a horse right?I think it's a politician.

[spurs10]

Someone that losses over and over...I think?

[Ghazi]

lol @ the asspain of TD 21. fucking asspained maggot.

[Cessation]

Mavs look good, and yes its too early to tell, plus they are well known chockers.
It would be nice if they faced the lakers in the playoffs, before the spurs though.

[SenorSpur]

It's more fun to pretend the Mavs are some juggernaut that the Spurs need to be scared of. Because we all know the Spurs have no chance against the big, bad Mavs.

When the Mavs were the superior offensive team, it was "they have too much firepower for us". Now that they're a slightly better defensive, but much worse offensive team, it's "they're much better defensively". One way or the other, there's always some reason to pretend the Spurs are the clear cut underdogs.

I don't get this fan base. You'd think they'd look down their noses at the Mavs and their fans. Instead, they act like the fans of the team who have won zero championships and treat the Mavs like they've won four championships.

Say what you want about Lakers fans, but you'd never see them constantly acting like they're scared of and slobbering over the Spurs. And the Spurs and the Lakers are a lot closer success wise in the past dozen seasons than the Spurs and the Mavs are.

What the hell gives any team the right to look down its nose at another? That's a recipe for defeat. Do you think that's the lesson that Pop tells his team? "Don't worry about the Mavs, because we kicked their ass in the playoffs last season." If you've ever paid attention, Pop himself has constantly reminded his team to have the appropriate level of respect for their foes.

Don't get it twisted. That doesn't mean that anyone should fear them. Not at all. Nobody is giving the Mavs the NBA title. And nobody is proclaiming the Spurs should cede the Southwest Division title already.

You're acting as if the Mavs have never had any playoff success against the Spurs. You're also foolishly implying that if the two teams square off again in the playoffs, that we should all expect the Spurs to come away victorious in a 4-game sweep. The point is that it's all about matchups. Even you should know that. And the fact remains that the Mavs have historically been a bad matchup for the Spurs.

The past doesn't have squat to do with the present. Did anyone see a four-game sweep at the hands of the Suns coming? By your logic, the Spurs should've mowed them down last year because that's the way it's always been. No. Last year, the Suns were finally able to field a roster that took advantage of areas where the Spurs were weak.

In the final analysis, nothing will be determined until the playoffs. In the meantime, don't be foolish enough to dismiss the upper-tier teams in the conference, simply because of past history. After all, we're all chasing the Fakers. Who knows? Perhaps this the year that they're ripe to fall?

[Roger Freemason Jr.]

That kind of math is a struggle to some spurfans

Oh yes, it's a difficult struggle, considering the Spurs won four championships for being a highly refined defensive team. & how many have the Mavericks won with their defense, or offense? The Spurs know how to win, they know how to execute when it counts. The Mavs mindset in the playoffs stays the same as it was in the regular season, where as the Spurs mindset becomes that of a champion. You lack the knockout punch, and that won't change.

Besides, it's early in the season, and you guys know better than anyone, that standings in any aspect of the game, don't mean shit. :toast

[DrSteffo]

I just watched the Dallas-Sac game. Not impressed at all. Very reassuring to see that Kidd is even a worse shooter than before and their backup PG is a midget. Chandler is on the same level as Dice or Splitter. In the PO it would be Dirk against the Spurs as usual and the chokers would choke again as they always do. Dallas is still the joke of the NBA.

[badfish22]

Oh yes, it's a difficult struggle, considering the Spurs won four championships for being a highly refined defensive team. & how many have the Mavericks won with their defense, or offense? The Spurs know how to win, they know how to execute when it counts. The Mavs mindset in the playoffs stays the same as it was in the regular season, where as the Spurs mindset becomes that of a champion. You lack the knockout punch, and that won't change.

Yup the Mavs have never had what it takes to knock out the Spurs in the playoffs. You have nothing to worry about :rolleyes

[badfish22]

What the hell gives any team the right to look down its nose at another? That's a recipe for defeat. Do you think that's the lesson that Pop tells his team? "Don't worry about the Mavs, because we kicked their ass in the playoffs last season." If you've ever paid attention, Pop himself has constantly reminded his team to have the appropriate level of respect for their foes.

Don't get it twisted. That doesn't mean that anyone should fear them. Not at all. Nobody is giving the Mavs the NBA title. And nobody is proclaiming the Spurs should cede the Southwest Division title already.

You're acting as if the Mavs have never had any playoff success against the Spurs. You're also foolishly implying that if the two teams square off again in the playoffs, that we should all expect the Spurs to come away victorious in a 4-game sweep. The point is that it's all about matchups. Even you should know that. And the fact remains that the Mavs have historically been a bad matchup for the Spurs.

The past doesn't have squat to do with the present. Did anyone see a four-game sweep at the hands of the Suns coming? By your logic, the Spurs should've mowed them down last year because that's the way it's always been. No. Last year, the Suns were finally able to field a roster that took advantage of areas where the Spurs were weak.

In the final analysis, nothing will be determined until the playoffs. In the meantime, don't be foolish enough to dismiss the upper-tier teams in the conference, simply because of past history. After all, we're all chasing the Fakers. Who knows? Perhaps this the year that they're ripe to fall?

lol TD getting put in his place

[silverblk mystix]

I just watched the Dallas-Sac game. Not impressed at all. Very reassuring to see that Kidd is even a worse shooter than before and their backup PG is a midget. Chandler is on the same level as Dice or Splitter. In the PO it would be Dirk against the Spurs as usual and the chokers would choke again as they always do. Dallas is still the joke of the NBA.

This doesn't apply.

When the Mavs play against the Spurs-it is the championship for them.
The Mavs may bend over willingly when they face the lakers or other tough teams-but when they play the spurs-they play like the USA Dream Team.

They will shoot 65-70%, will play D, will run like gazelles, will fuck with Pop by going ultra small, etc.

[DrSteffo]

This doesn't apply.

When the Mavs play against the Spurs-it is the championship for them.
The Mavs may bend over willingly when they face the lakers or other tough teams-but when they play the spurs-they play like the USA Dream Team.

They will shoot 65-70%, will play D, will run like gazelles, will fuck with Pop by going ultra small, etc.

Yes but they lost against us in last POs and we have a much better team this season, no more RMJ or Bogans :downspin:

[duhoh]

What the hell gives any team the right to look down its nose at another? That's a recipe for defeat. Do you think that's the lesson that Pop tells his team? "Don't worry about the Mavs, because we kicked their ass in the playoffs last season." If you've ever paid attention, Pop himself has constantly reminded his team to have the appropriate level of respect for their foes.

Don't get it twisted. That doesn't mean that anyone should fear them. Not at all. Nobody is giving the Mavs the NBA title. And nobody is proclaiming the Spurs should cede the Southwest Division title already.

You're acting as if the Mavs have never had any playoff success against the Spurs. You're also foolishly implying that if the two teams square off again in the playoffs, that we should all expect the Spurs to come away victorious in a 4-game sweep. The point is that it's all about matchups. Even you should know that. And the fact remains that the Mavs have historically been a bad matchup for the Spurs.

The past doesn't have squat to do with the present. Did anyone see a four-game sweep at the hands of the Suns coming? By your logic, the Spurs should've mowed them down last year because that's the way it's always been. No. Last year, the Suns were finally able to field a roster that took advantage of areas where the Spurs were weak.

In the final analysis, nothing will be determined until the playoffs. In the meantime, don't be foolish enough to dismiss the upper-tier teams in the conference, simply because of past history. After all, we're all chasing the Fakers. Who knows? Perhaps this the year that they're ripe to fall?

boococky. that is all.

read the post again if necessary.

[ogait]

It come down to this imo, they have a guy, a superstar, one of the best players in the league who is there to take the double teams and make the difficult shots. Right now he's doing that with an extreme efficiency because he's good enough to do that, but the percentages will eventually go down, teams will adjust and specially in the playoffs he'll be the almost exclusive focus of attention of opposing teams.

So alternative ways to score have to be found and that's when the likes of Carom Buttler and Jason Terry will have to step up. Will they replace the tough shots, that Dirk can't take so often any more, for as difficult shots or even more namely jumpers and 3's or will they be able to get to the basket, drawing fouls and get easy points. I once thought that maybe Butler could be that guy but it seems pretty clear that he can't.

Still some Spurs fans are pathetic. You either know some shit about basketball and therefore recognize that the Mavs are playing good and why they are playing good or you can just show your butthurtness and go with the obvious "they'll choke come playoff time" even though you don't understand what has made them fail in the past.

[td4mvp21]

I was wondering the exact same thing after watching the Utah game on Friday night.

Unless we get better defensively, we will lose to the Mavs in the playoffs (and many other teams). We've seen flashes of pretty good defense but that's about it. At the moment, we've become everything that we used to criticize and mock in the past (and rightly so, because it never won championships) - a jumpshooting, uptempo, offense orientated team whose defense is very suspect.

[spurtech09]

R u kidding me...who cares about the mavs....we all know mavs had the chance to win a championship but the mavs choked>>the mavs are not championship material

[Cry Havoc]

When I see a Dallas team that can play defense in the playoffs AND have someone besides Dirk step up to win games for them, I will worry.

So far, Dallas either plays no defense or they completely cower on the offensive end.

Dirk is a beast but he hasn't had a lot of help in the past, and there aren't a lot of players on the current Mavs that scare me. Butler? Butler disappears against hard defense. Marion? :lol We love playing against Marion in the playoffs. I'd love to see him as much as possible this year if we meet at some point.

Pop will have this team playing great defense by the time the real season rolls around. He really doesn't care about the regular season. For him, it's just 82 practice games for the playoffs.

[DPG21920]

Mavs are certainly a great team. I would like to avoid them if at all possible in the playoffs.

[jjktkk]

Mavs are certainly a great team. I would like to avoid them if at all possible in the playoffs.

My beliefs in the playoffs are, if you truly believe your a championship contender, you don't care who you play. Bring em on. Lakers, Mavs, whoever.

[TD 21]

What the hell gives any team the right to look down its nose at another? That's a recipe for defeat. Do you think that's the lesson that Pop tells his team? "Don't worry about the Mavs, because we kicked their ass in the playoffs last season." If you've ever paid attention, Pop himself has constantly reminded his team to have the appropriate level of respect for their foes.

Don't get it twisted. That doesn't mean that anyone should fear them. Not at all. Nobody is giving the Mavs the NBA title. And nobody is proclaiming the Spurs should cede the Southwest Division title already.

You're acting as if the Mavs have never had any playoff success against the Spurs. You're also foolishly implying that if the two teams square off again in the playoffs, that we should all expect the Spurs to come away victorious in a 4-game sweep. The point is that it's all about matchups. Even you should know that. And the fact remains that the Mavs have historically been a bad matchup for the Spurs.

The past doesn't have squat to do with the present. Did anyone see a four-game sweep at the hands of the Suns coming? By your logic, the Spurs should've mowed them down last year because that's the way it's always been. No. Last year, the Suns were finally able to field a roster that took advantage of areas where the Spurs were weak.

In the final analysis, nothing will be determined until the playoffs. In the meantime, don't be foolish enough to dismiss the upper-tier teams in the conference, simply because of past history. After all, we're all chasing the Fakers. Who knows? Perhaps this the year that they're ripe to fall?

I didn't say they necessarily should, I said you'd think they would. Or at least their attitude would more resemble that than the defeatist bullshit and constant slobbering I usually see. I never said anything about Pop. Of course he wouldn't have that attitude, nor should he, I'm talking about Spurs fans.

The vast majority fear them, as they always do. If you started a poll right now asking Spurs fans who's better or more likely to win in a series or the championship between the Spurs or Mavs, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Mavs win it. The only reason no one is giving them the title is because they've already given it to the Lakers.

No, I'm not acting like that at all. I never claimed there was a massive disparity between the two teams (I do think they're better equipped to beat the Spurs than last season, but I'm still confident the Spurs would beat them), only in the success that they've had. Considering that disparity in success, one would think the way Spurs fans view the Mavs would be different than it is. Again, something more akin to how Lakers fans view the Spurs. So the Mavs have been a bad match-up for the Spurs historically, but that hasn't been the case the other way around? Apparently you forgot Duncan obliterating them in '03 and '06. But then again, this is the same fan base who views damn near every team a bad match-up for the Spurs.

That isn't my logic, genius. If you're going to take me to task for what I said, at least comprehend it.

I'll dismiss whoever I want. Unlike last season, when I dismissed the Mavs before the season began (I know at least one person on the board who can attest to this), I'm not willing to go that far this time around, but I do see them as a clear cut third in the conference.


My beliefs in the playoffs are, if you truly believe your a championship contender, you don't care who you play. Bring em on. Lakers, Mavs, whoever.

That's not how it's done with this fan base. They worry about everyone, particularly the Mavs. They're terrified of Nowitzki.

[UnWantedTheory]

There is nothing wrong with being cautious about a very good team. The Mavs are always tough. I am curious if they can continue this pace considering their age, and Chandler's injury history? Although we can worry about our own age & injury history, so.....

[duhoh]

why can't people just sit back and enjoy the success? cross the playoffs bridge when its the playoffs. all these retarded comparisons aren't productive conversations.

[td4mvp3]

why can't people just sit back and enjoy the success? cross the playoffs bridge when its the playoffs. all these retarded comparisons aren't productive conversations.

productive of what? what fan forum question is going to be productive of anything but conversation, which is the point?

[td4mvp3]

I was wondering the exact same thing after watching the Utah game on Friday night.

Unless we get better defensively, we will lose to the Mavs in the playoffs (and many other teams). We've seen flashes of pretty good defense but that's about it. At the moment, we've become everything that we used to criticize and mock in the past (and rightly so, because it never won championships) - a jumpshooting, uptempo, offense orientated team whose defense is very suspect.

thanks, man. i've been trying to figure out why the conversation hadn't gone the way i wanted and this reminded me why. the comparison wasn't meant to be about if we can beat the mavs in the playoffs but about styles of play and if that worries folks.

[Rummpd]

Mavs are behind the Spurs in the Hollinger ranking (Spurs > 109 or so vs 106 trailing only Boston by a slim Margin based on stats that includes factoriing the strength of schedule). http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings

The Mavs had a differential of under 6 points per game and while they have played a slightly harder schedule than the Spurs the margin is not huge (and very similar over the last 10 games). This suggests pace of play is as much as a factor as a true defensive improvement (I for one am not sold that they are really that much better with Chandler in the long-term over the other bigs they had the last two years) if the Mavs are such a great team defensively with Dirk playing so well offensively why are they not dominating more??

Meanwhile, the Spurs are leading the league with about a 9 point per game differential and a differential of 10 ppg over the last 10 despite one non effort loss to the Clippers. Moreover, the Mavs were hyped to beat the Spurs after their weak playoff loss last year.

Spurs also are have the better record, are missing their top draft choice, and have an incredible early season road record. Don't annoint the Mavs yet. They are a fine and solid team but statistically they are not world beaters - which the Spurs looked like in toying with the Hornets Sunday night.

At times this year the Spurs have looked very good on defense and on offense they are simply playing up to their great and unrecognized by much of the silly media's potential - it is not all about pace, it is about talent as well with Parker and Manu at full strength, Jefferson becoming himself again, and Hill/Neal and other scores available the Spurs can score with anyone and I believe can defend as a top 5 team in the league - especially, when Duncan gets truly motivated come playoff time on both sides of the ball as only he can - watch out NBA

[badfish22]

:lmao :lmao

it's funny cuz its true

I don't see how that franchise has any fans that believe they'll ever win a championship.

lol fat faggot

[TJastal]

Shawn Marion is a ghost of what he once was, and DeShawn Stevenson is flat out fucking horrible. Pop attacked him relentlessly with Ginobili last game until Carlisle was forced to take him out of the game. Dallas no more has a perimeter stopper than we do.

lol another epic fail post

:lmao

[Spurs and Mavs fan]

R u kidding me...who cares about the mavs....we all know mavs had the chance to win a championship but the mavs choked>>the mavs are not championship material


Funny that you'd say that.

[Ghazi]

Is this a joke?

The Mavs have won 50+ games every regular season this entire decade. They won 67 and looked scary good that Golden State year. Theyve looked impressive before. Theyll find a way to fuck it up come playoff time.


No. No one on that Mavs team has a killer winning instinct. From Kidd to Dirk to Terry, they all tend to choke when it matters, unlike the 3 guys we have here who have stepped up plenty of times to get it done in the clutch.


You have mistaken the main problem about Mavs. Regardless of whether they focus on defense or offense, they can never shake off their true identity of being chokers during the playoffs.


That won't stop fans, namely Spurs fans, from slobbering over them.

I don't get you people. This franchise has won four championships, that franchise has won zero. Yet it's as if this fan base is envious of that team. From their star, to how they're playing at the moment/stylistically, etc. It's ridiculous.

The difference between the old Spurs and the current Mavs is, the Spurs were, not just a good defensive team, but a historically great defensive team and also, they had the best player and best low post player in the game. In order to win a championship, you need a go-to low post player and a go-to perimeter player ('99 and '03 Spurs were the rare examples of a team winning with only one of those two things). The Mavs have neither.


I'm not the media or the typical Spurs fan . . . I don't get excited and slobber over the Mavs every time they go on a win streak. They're still the same old flawed team.


It's more fun to pretend the Mavs are some juggernaut that the Spurs need to be scared of. Because we all know the Spurs have no chance against the big, bad Mavs.

When the Mavs were the superior offensive team, it was "they have too much firepower for us". Now that they're a slightly better defensive, but much worse offensive team, it's "they're much better defensively". One way or the other, there's always some reason to pretend the Spurs are the clear cut underdogs.

I don't get this fan base. You'd think they'd look down their noses at the Mavs and their fans. Instead, they act like the fans of the team who have won zero championships and treat the Mavs like they've won four championships.

Say what you want about Lakers fans, but you'd never see them constantly acting like they're scared of and slobbering over the Spurs. And the Spurs and the Lakers are a lot closer success wise in the past dozen seasons than the Spurs and the Mavs are.


Mavs will do what they do, win 55 games and implode in the first round. They have no leader.

:lmao :lmao :lmao

[mavsfan1000]

You have mistaken the main problem about Mavs. Regardless of whether they focus on defense or offense, they can never shake off their true identity of being chokers during the playoffs.
:lol

[Proxy]

Mavs fans are cute.

[adrienne]

Mavs fans are cute.

Yes, I'm adorable. Plus, :lobt2: .

[Ice009]

Most of you Mavs fans probably thought the same thing after all the playoff exits, and those of you that didn't were wrong like 6 or 7 times Vs once for almost everyone else in this thread.

Anyway, great run to the Championship. Great team this season.

[Horse]

:lmao :lmao :lmao
Ok you finally won one. congrats! But it took a fluky playoff and the only one who could choke a series away to dallas lechoke james! so fuck off!

[Agloco]

Ok you finally won one. congrats! But it took a fluky playoff and the only one who could choke a series away to dallas lechoke james! so fuck off!

2007 says hello.