There's a reason why Dallas is better than us

[TDfan2007]

They make all of the plays in crunch time. There have been plenty of times this year where Dallas was down in the 4th and just made all of the right plays to win it.

The Spurs on the other hand are an awful comeback team this year and are more used to blowing leads than climbing back from deficits.

That right now is the major difference between these two teams imo.

[dg7md]

The Spurs are the new Mavericks.

The Mavericks are the new Spurs.

[BeerIsGood!]

Does this really need 532 threads?

[Solid D]

Dallas must have been silently thrilled to see Walker with the ball two straight possessions in crunch time.

[Windbush]

- I agree that the big three need to have good games at the same time consistently. Two out of the three exerting there will on games should be expected every game.
- Bench needs to be able to fill in as supporting cast or have big games when big three are down. Beno hasn't shown me anything. I like Barry and Finley, but they need to be able to come in and play big three-like off the bench. Playing cold off the bench is not a good excuse.
- The three and five become liabilities if they don't provide offense. Opposing teams can easily focus only on the big three and defenses become easier. Understand that they are supporting casts, but if they can't score they need to shut down their player defensively (i.e. Rodman) or rebound big. Also no reason why a quick Parker or Ginobili can't guard opposing teams 1 or 2 instead of having to use Bowen and thereby exasperating match up problems.
- Duncan is actually a liability (dare I say soft) if he can't dominate a small-ball 4 or 5 defending him. I've noticed that his quickness has declined over the years. Yes, the guys he dishes to off the double teams need to be more consistent on the three point play. If they are not going to play small ball, then Duncan has to be able to offensively dominate their "center" to force the opposing team to go big or double team more.
- Also don't like the fact that Duncan is always guarding the slower of the two between the opposing 4 and 5. No reason defensively why he can't be better against either a post-up big like Shaq/Amare or shooting big like Dirk. You can't suck at both. I'll concede that his team defense guarding the baseline is great, but who one-on-one can he shutdown in the NBA's man-to-man league? Duncan has to be able to guard the big when playing small ball teams like the Suns (Amare) or Mavs (Dirk) otherwise he becomes a liability if he is not killing them offensively.

[WalterBenitez]

The Spurs are the new Mavericks.
The Mavericks are the new Spurs.

You mean Avery is POP?
:dizzy

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

And here I thought it was because we've got no one to guard Dirk... Huh.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I dont care if dirk gets his


I'm more concerned with us rebounding the ball and playing D


and limiting howard and terry

[smeagol]

Dallas pulled a couple of amazing wins off. I agree with the starter of the thread that they have been flawless in crunch time.

[td4mvp21]

I dont care if dirk gets his


I'm more concerned with us rebounding the ball and playing D


and limiting howard and terry

That's really the key, the Spurs owned in the first half of the last meeting, because they actually did those things. They let Howard and Terry contribute in the second half, quit playing D, quit rebounding, and quit executing. And we lost. Go figure.

[Dirk Nowitzki]

I will start getting truly orgasmic as fuck if we beat those Demons come May/June! I am excited as shit about our chances but I am not fully sold until I see how we handle those demons! :hungry:

[mabber]

Dallas must have been silently thrilled to see Walker with the ball two straight possessions in crunch time.

I was vocally estatic!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Actually it's not so much as it is the fact Pop thinks he needs to play small ball vs. Dallas, which opens up the paint for Harris and Terry to do their thing.

[SenorSpur]

Actually it's not so much as it is the fact Pop thinks he needs to play small ball vs. Dallas, which opens up the paint for Harris and Terry to do their thing.

I never thought I'd say this but Pop has morphed into a stone, cold IDIOT!

:pctoss

[Russ]

The Spurs are the new Mavericks.

The Mavericks are the new Spurs.
I think the Mavericks are the new Coke.

[AFBlue]

The reason Dallas is the best in the league is because they KNOW they're supposed to be the best and they execute.

When they played the Spurs, that was the single-biggest telling sign that they were better. They didn't panic when they got down early to the Spurs....they just kept playing their game and pulled out a victory....just like they knew they SHOULD.

Someone needs to hit them in the mouth and prove to them that maybe they SHOULDN'T feel that way!

[ponky]

Dallas must have been silently thrilled to see Walker with the ball two straight possessions in crunch time.

haha, at least two fans here in Austin were high-fiving when 'toine had the ball!

[ponky]

The reason Dallas is the best in the league is because they KNOW they're supposed to be the best and they execute.

When they played the Spurs, that was the single-biggest telling sign that they were better. They didn't panic when they got down early to the Spurs....they just kept playing their game and pulled out a victory....just like they knew they SHOULD.

Someone needs to hit them in the mouth and prove to them that maybe they SHOULDN'T feel that way!

:cry


someone has...and they got thrown down by jho earlier this season!

just kidding, someone did do that last season...shaq basically let the mavs know who was boss in the paint during the finals and they stayed out and settled for jumpers while we were too scared to take wade down with a good hard foul so he continued driving at will. i'm not against hard fouls and tough defense, even if it's against the mavs but i don't think it will work this year with the mavs so much, certain guys have gained toughness along with that newfound cockiness (jho in particular)....which is why it's good to lose every once in awhile, to stay focused.

[exstatic]

- Also don't like the fact that Duncan is always guarding the slower of the two between the opposing 4 and 5. No reason defensively why he can't be better against either a post-up big like Shaq/Amare or shooting big like Dirk. You can't suck at both. I'll concede that his team defense guarding the baseline is great, but who one-on-one can he shutdown in the NBA's man-to-man league? Duncan has to be able to guard the big when playing small ball teams like the Suns (Amare) or Mavs (Dirk) otherwise he becomes a liability if he is not killing them offensively.
You don't EVER put Tim on their best big until the 4th, with 3 fouls or less. Why have him be Dirk's foul magnet and be on the bench?

[mabber]

You don't EVER put Tim on their best big until the 4th, with 3 fouls or less. Why have him be Dirk's foul magnet and be on the bench?

Who is Duncan supposed to cover when the Mavs go small (with Dirk playing center?)

[exstatic]

Who is Duncan supposed to cover when the Mavs go small (with Dirk playing center?)
That wasn't the scenario being discussed. Try to keep up. He was wondering why Tim is always on the "other" big and not the star. Of course, you put Tim on Dirk, because Dirk must also cover Tim. The foul jeopardy cuts both ways.

[timvp]

Props to the Mavs for beating the Heat when it counts.

[T Park]

:lol

[BigJoeD]

Props to the Mavs for beating the Heat when it counts.

BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! :lol

[Windbush]

Try to keep up. He was wondering why Tim is always on the "other" big and not the star. Of course, you put Tim on Dirk, because Dirk must also cover Tim. The foul jeopardy cuts both ways.

There is no reason why Duncan can't dominate Dirk on the post as Dirk dominates playing small ball. The center factor (see Shaq) is that you have to either double team or play big big on him. Duncan has to be that "center" to force their style of play, offensively and/or defensively. Who does he guard between Amare (5) and Marion (4) when they play the Suns.

[Nikos]

Props to the Mavs for beating the Heat when it counts.

:lmao

[Amarelooms]

There is no reason why Duncan can't dominate Dirk on the post as Dirk dominates playing small ball. The center factor (see Shaq) is that you have to either double team or play big big on him. Duncan has to be that "center" to force their style of play, offensively and/or defensively. Who does he guard between Amare (5) and Marion (4) when they play the Suns.

Marion? TD can't guard him lol. Best bet is probably Diaw. However I must warn you...AMARE LOOMS...be afraid...be very afraid :ihit

[K1NGSFAN]

Spurs and Mav fans talk a lot of shit, but they know deep down they want no part of the KINGS!

[wildbill2u]

There is no reason why Duncan can't dominate Dirk on the post as Dirk dominates playing small ball. The center factor (see Shaq) is that you have to either double team or play big big on him. Duncan has to be that "center" to force their style of play, offensively and/or defensively. Who does he guard between Amare (5) and Marion (4) when they play the Suns.
At this point in their careers, Dirk is better than Tim.

The Mavs and the Suns are better than the Spurs in their rotation through six or seven players.

The Spurs are simply the 3rd best team in the West and maybe 4th through 6th overall. Get used to it.

[remingtonbo2001]

At this point in their careers, Dirk is better than Tim.

The Mavs and the Suns are better than the Spurs in their rotation through six or seven players.

The Spurs are simply the 3rd best team in the West and maybe 4th through 6th overall. Get used to it.

Since when did half-a-season define a player's career. I mean COME ON....Dirk is playing VERY WELL...But, it's only been for half of the season....Timmy has been playing very quietly. Give him some time....Especially considering he is a 2-time MVP, 3-time Finals MVP....AT THIS MOMENT, I don't think Dirk can make claim.. I will say it now, so mark it down. Once the roadtrip is said and done, that is when our season will truely begin. People should be excited for this roadtrip....This will be a true test for the Spurs...It's the time when we come TOGETHER....We haven't been playing well together, so hopefully this roadtrip will do the trick.

[BeerIsGood!]

Difference between Dallas and SA - one word... Bench. How in the hell SA has only managed to lose 13 games this season so far with that horrible bench is beyond me. I think the starting 5 has done a pretty good job considering the bench is so weak. Stronger bench production = championship contention.

[mavsfan1000]

Spurs and Mav fans talk a lot of shit, but they know deep down they want no part of the KINGS!
:lol :lol

[Dalhoop]

The earlier post about someone knocking them off of their high horse, has merit, it would have worked in the past, but as time goes on, the team is taking on more and more of Avery's "playing style"

They have become more and more scrappy .... I don't think the "pop in the mouth" will work anymore.

The signing of George has made the Mavs "small ball" far more effective then it was last year against teams with strong PF's. He gave the Mavs another player that plays a two way game at 6-7 to 6-9. When we go small now, Dirk doesn't have to guard Duncan, George will do that.

Those here that discarded the George signing as worthless were dead wrong.

With the Spurs. The bench is the issue. I don't think that the team can take Bowen off the floor and you get the same production from you centers as the Mavs (Mavs group is better on defense)

The Spurs just are not as deep. The Mavs have improved their defense to the point of being close to the Spurs .. close enough to negate that advantage. With only the three pouring in points, the Mavs would still win a match-up of the two ... They have more shooters.

If Finley and Barry could become the players that they were, the Spurs would be right back on top, without them two scoring, the Spurs simply cannot keep up with the other two teams at the top.

[George Gervin's Afro]

The earlier post about someone knocking them off of their high horse, has merit, it would have worked in the past, but as time goes on, the team is taking on more and more of Avery's "playing style"

They have become more and more scrappy .... I don't think the "pop in the mouth" will work anymore.

The signing of George has made the Mavs "small ball" far more effective then it was last year against teams with strong PF's. He gave the Mavs another player that plays a two way game at 6-7 to 6-9. When we go small now, Dirk doesn't have to guard Duncan, George will do that.

Those here that discarded the George signing as worthless were dead wrong.

With the Spurs. The bench is the issue. I don't think that the team can take Bowen off the floor and you get the same production from you centers as the Mavs (Mavs group is better on defense)

The Spurs just are not as deep. The Mavs have improved their defense to the point of being close to the Spurs .. close enough to negate that advantage. With only the three pouring in points, the Mavs would still win a match-up of the two ... They have more shooters.

If Finley and Barry could become the players that they were, the Spurs would be right back on top, without them two scoring, the Spurs simply cannot keep up with the other two teams at the top.

I agree with your take. I also acknowledge that the mavs have been winning down the stretch quite consistently this year. The Spurs have played great for 46.5 minutes of their 2 losses to the mavs. It's been that last 1:30 that has been their achilles heal..

[Texas_Ranger]

There is more than just 1 reason.

[ploto]

People should be excited for this roadtrip....This will be a true test for the Spurs...It's the time when we come TOGETHER....We haven't been playing well together, so hopefully this roadtrip will do the trick.
The first week there's a day game at the Lakers and then Utah and Phoenix on back-to-back nights. Either it will be a glorious week for Spurs fans or a week at the end of which fans will call even more loudly for a trade.

[mabber]

The first week there's a day game at the Lakers and then Utah and Phoenix on back-to-back nights. Either it will be a glorious week for Spurs fans or a week at the end of which fans will call even more loudly for a trade.

I bet the Spurs go 2-1 in that 3 game stretch.

[ploto]

I bet the Spurs go 2-1 in that 3 game stretch.
Question- if the Spurs beat the Lakers and Utah but lose to the Suns- won't it just confirm what people already think. They are 3rd in the West.

[mabber]

Question- if the Spurs beat the Lakers and Utah but lose to the Suns- won't it just confirm what people already think. They are 3rd in the West.

I suppose so, but there's still half of the regular season to go. While I don't see the Spurs catching the Mavs or Suns in the standings, I certainly can see them improving to the point that they have as good a chance as anybody come playoff time. One thing to remember & fear about the Spurs is they know what it takes and couple of the guys (Finley & Barry) that aren't playing as well they probably could only have to be better for a few weeks in the playoffs.

[wildbill2u]

How about an outside opinion of the three teams from a former Spur player, Mario Elie.

He was on radio show in Houston the other day and said the Mavs and Suns had better players in their first six players. He said the Suns had the best six players in the league.

When the playoffs come and playing rosters get shorter, these teams are gonna be damn hard to beat with what we have. Can we? Sure, with a few breaks and great play by everyone, but that's the case in every playoff series to the championship.

[dbreiden83080]

They make all of the plays in crunch time. There have been plenty of times this year where Dallas was down in the 4th and just made all of the right plays to win it.

The Spurs on the other hand are an awful comeback team this year and are more used to blowing leads than climbing back from deficits.

That right now is the major difference between these two teams imo.

If i am a Mav fan right now i am shutting up you guys sucked ass yesterday against the Heat without Shaq. Wade by himself still almost beat the Mavs. They need to prove it come postseason i could care less if they win 65 games or whatever do it when it matters.

[sprrs]

They make all of the plays in crunch time. There have been plenty of times this year where Dallas was down in the 4th and just made all of the right plays to win it.

The Spurs on the other hand are an awful comeback team this year and are more used to blowing leads than climbing back from deficits.

That right now is the major difference between these two teams imo.

Other way around. They don't really try until they're down 20 in the fourth, then they finally decide to show up and it's usually not enough.

[RC's Boss]

You mean Avery is POP?
:dizzy
Does that make Nellie Bob Hill :(

[Dalhoop]

If i am a Mav fan right now i am shutting up you guys sucked ass yesterday against the Heat without Shaq. Wade by himself still almost beat the Mavs. They need to prove it come postseason i could care less if they win 65 games or whatever do it when it matters.

That's why your not a Mavs fan. We don't care by how many, or what the circumstances of the win are, only that it was a win.

The Mavs didn't look at this a "revenge" game, all it was was a road win against the reining NBA champs. It will mean as much as a road win in Boston at the end of the regular season.

You don't get revenge for a playoff loss in January, you get revenge, if possible, in the playoffs. Now it looks right now that the Mavs and Heat will not meet again in the playoffs ... That's too bad, it means that we will have to take out our frustration on whoever the Eastern Champ is.

[DubMcDub]

If i am a Mav fan right now i am shutting up you guys sucked ass yesterday against the Heat without Shaq. Wade by himself still almost beat the Mavs. They need to prove it come postseason i could care less if they win 65 games or whatever do it when it matters.

Ya, Mavs fans with their best record in the NBA and their 7 game winning streak should definitely be keeping their mouths shut at this point. :lol

[TwoHandJam]

Give them a break. It's hard to be humble about the regular season if you've never won anything of note outside of it.

[Marcus Bryant]

7 game win streak? Time to hang a banner.

[DubMcDub]

7 game win streak? Time to hang a banner.

Don't believe anyone said that. Simply countering the claim that the Mavs 6 point win on the road over Miami is something to be ashamed of somehow.

[SenorSpur]

They make all of the plays in crunch time. There have been plenty of times this year where Dallas was down in the 4th and just made all of the right plays to win it.

The Spurs on the other hand are an awful comeback team this year and are more used to blowing leads than climbing back from deficits.

That right now is the major difference between these two teams imo.

This was clearly evident (once again) by the way they "sucked ass" against the pitifiul Celtics. What makes this worse the Celtics were without a couple of their top players including Paul Pierce and Wally Sczerbiak.

In addition to lacking a pedestrian amount of athleticism and scoring prowess for this "new age" NBA, this team also lacks a certain amount of mental toughness needed in close games. This is going to bite them in the ass during the playoffs - just like it's bit them in the ass during several of these regular season games.

They're not going to suddenly develop that this year. In no way does this criticism mean that I'm not a Spurs fan. On the contrary. It's simply a statement of fact.

[dbreiden83080]

Don't believe anyone said that. Simply countering the claim that the Mavs 6 point win on the road over Miami is something to be ashamed of somehow.


It is not to be ashamed of but it is lightyears from being impressive. All it did is made people think with Shaq back they are going to beat you in a 7 game series again.

[SequSpur]

SPAM. STFu.

[ploto]

This was clearly evident (once again) by the way they "sucked ass" against the pitifiul Celtics. What makes this worse the Celtics were without a couple of their top players including Paul Pierce and Wally Sczerbiak.

In addition to lacking a pedestrian amount of athleticism and scoring prowess for this "new age" NBA, this team also lacks a certain amount of mental toughness needed in close games. This is going to bite them in the ass during the playoffs - just like it's bit them in the ass during several of these regular season games.

They're not going to suddenly develop that this year. In no way does this criticism mean that I'm not a Spurs fan. On the contrary. It's simply a statement of fact.
I was hoping someone would say this before me. Doesn't it concern anyone that these games- these ones right now where the Spurs are supposed to go on a big run against awful teams- that they keep ending up close down the stretch. Whatever happened to blowing a team out and resting the starters in the fourth quarter. Having to play Duncan, Parker, Manu, and Bruce down the stretch in a game like this one!!

[ChumpDumper]

No, it concerns no one. :rolleyes

[BeerIsGood!]

I was hoping someone would say this before me. Doesn't it concern anyone that these games- these ones right now where the Spurs are supposed to go on a big run against awful teams- that they keep ending up close down the stretch. Whatever happened to blowing a team out and resting the starters in the fourth quarter. Having to play Duncan, Parker, Manu, and Bruce down the stretch in a game like this one!!


In case you haven't noticed - this team from top to bottom is not good enough to be blowing teams out for 48. They're not that much better than the mediocre teams in the league, just enough better to win close games consistently.

[5ToolMan]

How about an outside opinion of the three teams from a former Spur player, Mario Elie.

He was on radio show in Houston the other day and said the Mavs and Suns had better players in their first six players. He said the Suns had the best six players in the league.

When the playoffs come and playing rosters get shorter, these teams are gonna be damn hard to beat with what we have. Can we? Sure, with a few breaks and great play by everyone, but that's the case in every playoff series to the championship.

Since Elie lobbied the Spurs hard for a job and was mostly ignored, he has been less than kind in his assesment of them. Go figure?

[lefty]

The only reaon Dallas is better than us is.......
...they play every game very seriously ; we don't ; we've has a lot of lazy starts ; there seems to be a lack of motivation...

Even Popovich admitted recently : "For some reason, we're not as hungry as those (Suns and Mavs) teams"

[DubMcDub]

It is not to be ashamed of but it is lightyears from being impressive. All it did is made people think with Shaq back they are going to beat you in a 7 game series again.

Some victories arent going to be impressive. That's the NBA. But a W is a W, no?

[dbreiden83080]

Some victories arent going to be impressive. That's the NBA. But a W is a W, no?

You are having a hell of a year right now but i still say you guys are going down at some point. It may not be the Spurs beating you but i don't see Dirk leading you guys to the promise land. When all is on the line he has never come through.

[wildbill2u]

Since Elie lobbied the Spurs hard for a job and was mostly ignored, he has been less than kind in his assesment of them. Go figure?

Personally, I don't pretend to know how hard he lobbied for a Spurs job and whether he carries a grudge. You must be getting this inside dope from Johnathan. :clap

Chow.

[wildbill2u]

Spurs were ahead by 23 and let an undermanned Boston team come back--but it was because Pop cleared his bench and the reserves couldn't hold the lead. By the time he got the starters back in, they were cold and couldn't do anything right either.

TD had two shots blocked and a couple of turnovers and a missed layup among other stretch woes. Ginobili and Parker bailed him out of being the goat of the game.

[mavsfan1000]

You are having a hell of a year right now but i still say you guys are going down at some point. It may not be the Spurs beating you but i don't see Dirk leading you guys to the promise land. When all is on the line he has never come through.
hmm hmm game 7 against spurs ring a bell?

[DubMcDub]

You are having a hell of a year right now but i still say you guys are going down at some point. It may not be the Spurs beating you but i don't see Dirk leading you guys to the promise land. When all is on the line he has never come through.

I never really understood how people can use "so and so has never done X before" as a reason why they wont do X in the future.

[mavsfan1000]

I never really understood how people can use "so and so has never done X before" as a reason why they wont do X in the future.
I can but Dirk is not one of those type of players. He proved that last year but unfortunately the Wades got in the way of it all.

[mabber]

The only reaon Dallas is better than us is.......
...they play every game very seriously ; we don't ; we've has a lot of lazy starts ; there seems to be a lack of motivation...

Even Popovich admitted recently : "For some reason, we're not as hungry as those (Suns and Mavs) teams"

Can't comment about the Spur's starts as I don't see a lot of their games but the Mav/Heat game was the first game in a long time that the Mavs actually played a decent first half and had a lead. Their focus & motivation doesn't usually come until the 2nd half of games. Of course, you're able to comment on how Dallas plays every game even though you have no clue :lol

Stick to what you know..how the Spur's play.

[lefty]

Can't comment about the Spur's starts as I don't see a lot of their games but the Mav/Heat game was the first game in a long time that the Mavs actually played a decent first half and had a lead. Their focus & motivation doesn't usually come until the 2nd half of games. Of course, you're able to comment on how Dallas plays every game even though you have no clue :lol

Stick to what you know..how the Spur's play.

I watch Spurs AND Mavs games ; Mavs are not as lazy as Spurs
:lol :lol

[angryllama]

You are having a hell of a year right now but i still say you guys are going down at some point. It may not be the Spurs beating you but i don't see Dirk leading you guys to the promise land. When all is on the line he has never come through.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/multimedia/slideshows/show_870/13spurs_nowitzki_jl.jpg

[Agloco]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/multimedia/slideshows/show_870/13spurs_nowitzki_jl.jpg

A boneheaded play by Manu.....

A little known fact: The Spurs used a lineup in that series that they didn't use ALL SEASON.........

And it still came down to this one boneheaded play to get you guys over.....

More Manus bad than Dirks good play....

[johnpaulwall21]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/multimedia/slideshows/show_870/13spurs_nowitzki_jl.jpg

Damn it manu and bowen for letting dirt by.

[Trainwreck2100]

Damn it manu and bowen for letting dirt by.


They were up by three points, they were supposed to let him go.

[Dalhoop]

A boneheaded play by Manu.....

A little known fact: The Spurs used a lineup in that series that they didn't use ALL SEASON.........

And it still came down to this one boneheaded play to get you guys over.....

More Manus bad than Dirks good play....

And its been down hill sense. Rarely can a single event be pin pointed as the change of direction for a franchise. The Mavs had one too, only it wasn't their player making the play it was the other teams player. Thank Manu, you gave us the knowlegde that the Spurs could be beat and the Spur knowledge that they are not unbeatable.

Remove to Aura and things change.

[dbreiden83080]

hmm hmm game 7 against spurs ring a bell?

Loud and clear and you didn't get what i said i tell ya what next time you are at a Mavs game take a look up to the rafters at the WC banner and you will know what i meant about Dirk not getting it done.

[Trainwreck2100]

A boneheaded play by Manu.....

A little known fact: The Spurs used a lineup in that series that they didn't use ALL SEASON.........

And it still came down to this one boneheaded play to get you guys over.....

More Manus bad than Dirks good play....

And its been down hill sense. Rarely can a single event be pin pointed as the change of direction for a franchise. The Mavs had one too, only it wasn't their player making the play it was the other teams player. Thank Manu, you gave us the knowlegde that the Spurs could be beat and the Spur knowledge that they are not unbeatable.

Remove to Aura and things change.


And thanks Dallas for taking that knowledge and doing absolutely nothing with it.

[mavsfan1000]

Loud and clear and you didn't get what i said i tell ya what next time you are at a Mavs game take a look up to the rafters at the WC banner and you will know what i meant about Dirk not getting it done.
It didn't prove that Dallas can be clutch in every series but it proved that what Dallas is capable of and they are even better this year.

[dbreiden83080]

It didn't prove that Dallas can be clutch in every series but it proved that what Dallas is capable of and they are even better this year.

Based on what their regular season. The Pistons put up 64 wins last year the Spurs put up 63 and neither one was as good as the year before especially the Pistons. You won't know if the Mavs are any better until probably the WCF.

[Agloco]

And its been down hill sense. Rarely can a single event be pin pointed as the change of direction for a franchise. The Mavs had one too, only it wasn't their player making the play it was the other teams player. Thank Manu, you gave us the knowlegde that the Spurs could be beat and the Spur knowledge that they are not unbeatable.

Remove to Aura and things change.

Ahhh yes, the good old change of direction.......

Like the direction your precious Mavs took after benig up 2-0 in the Finals right?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's STILL only one NBA team in Texas without a Larry O'Brien beer mug........

Since you're a Mavs fan, I'll give you three guesses :donkey

[RC's Boss]

They make all of the plays in crunch time. There have been plenty of times this year where Dallas was down in the 4th and just made all of the right plays to win it.

The Spurs on the other hand are an awful comeback team this year and are more used to blowing leads than climbing back from deficits.

That right now is the major difference between these two teams imo.
Could it be b/c San Antonio's "dirty" river has restaurants and shops and Dallas' "dirty and toxic" Trinity river has homeless people sleeping under the bridge? :rolleyes

[lefty]

:married:

[mavsfan1000]

Based on what their regular season. The Pistons put up 64 wins last year the Spurs put up 63 and neither one was as good as the year before especially the Pistons. You won't know if the Mavs are any better until probably the WCF.
True I don't know what will happen but I would consider us the favorite based on how we are performing now. We don't have any noticeable weaknesses like Phoenix does. (Defense, Rebounding, and Half court sets)

[bresilhac]

Dallas pulled a couple of amazing wins off. I agree with the starter of the thread that they have been flawless in crunch time.

Flawless in crunchtime doesn't always equate to flawlessness at playoff time. Recall that Dallas for all of their superiority and prowess barely squeaked by San Antonio last year and failed miserably in the Finals against Miami. Until proven otherwise the Spurs are still king of the hill in the west regardless of how many games Dallas wins in a row during the season etc.

[Dalhoop]

And thanks Dallas for taking that knowledge and doing absolutely nothing with it.

We used the knowledge that the Spurs are beatable, to continue the run this year. It also showed the team that they Are at that level. Without that playoff series win the Mavs were still a regular season wonder. That series win allowed them to become "For real"

Ahhh yes, the good old change of direction.......

Like the direction your precious Mavs took after benig up 2-0 in the Finals right?

Yes, just like that. The home loss in game six (It was the only game they lost that they were expected to win, the others were on the road). Showed them that they could not take any team lightly.

You know you can't win till you get there, the Mavs are a learning team. They learned from the Spurs and got to over-confident. The had defeated the Grizzlies and Suns while losing only two games combined and defeated their arch-rival ... Then faced the Weaker conference winner ... They thought that they were unbeatable.

The Heat reminded them that they were not.

This year the team is taking NOBODY for granted. They are preparing for a game against the Celtics as much as for a game vs the Spurs. The lessons from the past have been learned and it doesn't appear that Avery is the sort of coach that it going to let the team forget those lessons.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's STILL only one NBA team in Texas without a Larry O'Brien beer mug........

Since you're a Mavs fan, I'll give you three guesses

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those banners are not helping the Spurs win any games this year ... Try to live in the present. The Celtics are the same way with their arguments "But look at all the pretty banners" Its really sad when the only thing a team has to talk about are the banners and not the team on the floor.

The Mavs and Suns are playing great, the Spurs seem to have taken a step back ... or more appropriately ... Not stepped forward this year like the other teams have. That is the reason why Dallas is the better team.

[mabber]

Flawless in crunchtime doesn't always equate to flawlessness at playoff time. Recall that Dallas for all of their superiority and prowess barely squeaked by San Antonio last year and failed miserably in the Finals against Miami. Until proven otherwise the Spurs are still king of the hill in the west regardless of how many games Dallas wins in a row during the season etc.

You do realize that it's not the year 2005 don't you?

[lefty]

Who cares ????
both teams won't win

We suck and Mavs choke

[Agloco]

Yes, just like that. The home loss in game six (It was the only game they lost that they were expected to win, the others were on the road). Showed them that they could not take any team lightly.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those banners are not helping the Spurs win any games this year ... Try to live in the present. The Celtics are the same way with their arguments "But look at all the pretty banners" Its really sad when the only thing a team has to talk about are the banners and not the team on the floor.

The Mavs and Suns are playing great, the Spurs seem to have taken a step back ... or more appropriately ... Not stepped forward this year like the other teams have. That is the reason why Dallas is the better team.

Bold 1) Please tell me that the Mavericks weren't expected to win game three in Miami after dominating the first two games?

Bold 2) I'll gladly correct you here...... Again there is only one team in Texas without a "Big Balls Beer Mug". That is the present sir.
What you need to do is quit living in a fantastic futurescape. Quit dealing with what if's and can do's. Your Mavs still haven't got it done to this point. Thats reality......

[Islymore]

I'm a Mavs fan and I agree that I get sick of hearing the same 'no banner comments'... you say "that is the present'... that is fine. The Spurs have their banners, the Rockets have their banners, but... in the present here and now, both of those mighty banner having teams are still games behind the Mavs even tho they don't have a banner.

Y not just get past it...? Ya'll gotta banner okay, but still acknowledge the terrible play from your team in the present. I think that was more so the point of the post earlier.

Banner or not... the Spurs are not playin Spur basketball. I can't say the Mavs are leaps and bounds ahead of the Spurs - but we are playing much better basketball than they are RIGHT NOW. That has to concern the team, not how well any other team is playin but how badly they have been playin.

Banners dont matter much in that argument... just like having banners dont matter much right now either... Its middle of the season, save the who has '3-0' talk for at least later in the season... that was covered pretty much in every MAV/SPUR thread last season... and so far this season as well.