nbascribe
06-16-2006, 11:10 AM
I wrote this for FSR's quick hits yesterday in a pow wow session:
"LACK OF KILLER INSTINCT IN THE MAVERICKS VERY NOTICEABLE
The Dallas Mavericks have a clock problem of their own and it has nothing to do with the referees but has everything to do with their lack of killer instinct. Tuesday's game was an ideal scenario for the Mavericks and first year head coach Avery Johnson to make a statement to the nay sayers who are against them. When the Mavericks had the Heat down by thirteen, this team should have been putting away their opponent. Instead the Mavericks have once again allowed a very good playoff veteran team come back in a series and put the pressure right back on them. This has been their pattern of operation throughout the playoffs. Against the San Antonio Spurs at San Antonio and at Dallas, the Mavericks allowed the former defending title holder tie the series up and only in an overtime win in the seventh game did the Mavericks prevail. It happened in Phoenix as well even though the Mavericks won that series in six games. Now it has happened in this series as well.
As good as the Mavericks are, many analysts, myself included, feel that should this team win this year's Larry O'Brien trophy, they may be nothing more than a one hit wonder. Championship caliber teams or at least teams that are always in contention, are able to put their opponents away when given the opportunity. The Mavericks are like a great thoroughbred that never wins the big race; they are front runners. As long as they get out in front and get a commanding lead, they will win the small battles. However, veteran teams that have championship caliber players on their rosters could be considered 'last spurts'. The Heat didn't really panic in game three but came on in the last six minutes of the contest and caught the front running Mavericks. While this may seem like a very awkward analogy of two basketball teams, consider what you are looking at; a race to four wins. Should the Miami Heat win tonight's contest and do it in convincing fashion, the Mavericks will be on their heels. They are not a very good come from behind team as far as series goes. While it is very apparent that the Heat need to win this game to just stay in contention, the pressure is really on Johnson and his players. this is the Mavericks' game 'seven'. This is a must win for them to win the title. A loss here could possibly derail that opportunity or at least make the task that more difficult."
Now looking back at the game from last night, I wonder if the Mavs may be having second thoughts.
"LACK OF KILLER INSTINCT IN THE MAVERICKS VERY NOTICEABLE
The Dallas Mavericks have a clock problem of their own and it has nothing to do with the referees but has everything to do with their lack of killer instinct. Tuesday's game was an ideal scenario for the Mavericks and first year head coach Avery Johnson to make a statement to the nay sayers who are against them. When the Mavericks had the Heat down by thirteen, this team should have been putting away their opponent. Instead the Mavericks have once again allowed a very good playoff veteran team come back in a series and put the pressure right back on them. This has been their pattern of operation throughout the playoffs. Against the San Antonio Spurs at San Antonio and at Dallas, the Mavericks allowed the former defending title holder tie the series up and only in an overtime win in the seventh game did the Mavericks prevail. It happened in Phoenix as well even though the Mavericks won that series in six games. Now it has happened in this series as well.
As good as the Mavericks are, many analysts, myself included, feel that should this team win this year's Larry O'Brien trophy, they may be nothing more than a one hit wonder. Championship caliber teams or at least teams that are always in contention, are able to put their opponents away when given the opportunity. The Mavericks are like a great thoroughbred that never wins the big race; they are front runners. As long as they get out in front and get a commanding lead, they will win the small battles. However, veteran teams that have championship caliber players on their rosters could be considered 'last spurts'. The Heat didn't really panic in game three but came on in the last six minutes of the contest and caught the front running Mavericks. While this may seem like a very awkward analogy of two basketball teams, consider what you are looking at; a race to four wins. Should the Miami Heat win tonight's contest and do it in convincing fashion, the Mavericks will be on their heels. They are not a very good come from behind team as far as series goes. While it is very apparent that the Heat need to win this game to just stay in contention, the pressure is really on Johnson and his players. this is the Mavericks' game 'seven'. This is a must win for them to win the title. A loss here could possibly derail that opportunity or at least make the task that more difficult."
Now looking back at the game from last night, I wonder if the Mavs may be having second thoughts.