Mavs' problem is structural, Spurs' problem is normal

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

The Mavs don't match up well with the Warriors. Golden State can shoot over the top of the Mavs' D and they can put 5 guys on the floor who can hit the outside J or drive. This renders the Mavs' D ineffective and has forced the Mavs into an immediate search for something that works. It is eerily reminiscent of what the Spurs faced against those Mavs in last season's playoffs, perhaps worse since the Warriors can roll with Harrington at the 5 and Davis can post up Harris all day long. The Spurs simply laid their traditional first round home game egg yesterday. The Spurs don't have any matchup problems with the Nuggets. They simply lapsed into their normal 'oh, the playoffs started 3.5 quarters ago?' routine. By Game 3 Karl will be whining about how dirty Manu gets to the line so often with flopping or whatever. Spurs in 5. Mavs...?

[T Park]

Watching this maverics GS game right now wich is being replayed on NBA Tv, the Mavericks look like a totally different team playing GS. They have Dirk stoppers in harrington, jackson, and hell even Biedrins at times.

The Warriors can win this series.

That simple.

[Shank]

Hmmm...whatever makes you feel better.

But it should be noted that Devean George was on Davis most of the time, not Harris.

And if it's so 'eerily reminiscent' of last year's Mavs/Spurs series, then I may need a refresher of how that panned out. Didn't SA eventually adjust and take the game to the final minutes of a 7th game? I'd say if it was so reminiscent of that series, then this current Dal/GS is far from over. But it's up to Avery to do what's right and play with what got you here. Not adjusting to what Nelly wants to dictate.

[T Park]

So you put a better defender in George on Davis, and he still goes off?

hmmm, not good.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

One wonders how much Nellie and Pop talk about playoff opponents. Both have essentially gone with the same strategy against the Mavs. Nellie simply has the horses to make that strategy a success.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

Hmmm...whatever makes you feel better.

But it should be noted that Devean George was on Davis most of the time, not Harris.

And if it's so 'eerily reminiscent' of last year's Mavs/Spurs series, then I may need a refresher of how that panned out. Didn't SA eventually adjust and take the game to the final minutes of a 7th game? I'd say if it was so reminiscent of that series, then this current Dal/GS is far from over. But it's up to Avery to do what's right and play with what got you here. Not adjusting to what Nelly wants to dictate.


Hmmm...whatever makes you feel better. And you just misunderstood the comparison. The team searching for adjustments lost that series.

[NASHville]

Dallas will not lose the series.

[T Park]

BTW, everyone pointed out before the series "Warriors are a horrible defensive team, they wont last"

They held the Mavericks to 85 points last night.

Is that all Dallas? Or does GS get a smidgen of credit?

[Shank]

So you put a better defender in George on Davis, and he still goes off?

hmmm, not good.

You put Howard on him and he doesn't go off like that. But props to Davis - he was nuts last night. Doesn't he shoot something like 30% from 3? He was knocking them down blindfolded.

Why are you guys doing this? Both teams are 0-1 and their fanbases should be humble at this point. I don't get how comparing the Mavs loss to the Spurs loss makes anyone feel better. They're still losses.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

they won because bd had a fcuking awesome game. Just like melo and ai had really good games. As long as you're able to contain bd, like hopefully the spurs will be able to do with Melo and ai, you should come out on top. Dirk must have been neutered before the game though, he'll have to play better.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

Devean George? Surely AJ and Del can come up with something better.

[mFFL03]

BTW, everyone pointed out before the series "Warriors are a horrible defensive team, they wont last"

They held the Mavericks to 85 points last night.

Is that all Dallas? Or does GS get a smidgen of credit?

it was both.

too many bricks...

and too many double teams that made us look like a JV team

[T Park]

You put Howard on him and he doesn't go off like that

So Josh Howard is now the defensive stopper.

Ah....

[Shank]

BTW, everyone pointed out before the series "Warriors are a horrible defensive team, they wont last"

They held the Mavericks to 85 points last night.

Is that all Dallas? Or does GS get a smidgen of credit?

Of course they get some credit. But it's not like the Mavs didn't have wide open shots and layups. They missed a ridiculous number of point-blank shots and wound up shooting an abysmal 35% overall. They'd get even more looks if they had some bigger guys in there to help with the pick-and-roll, but that may not happen if this small lineup crap keeps happening.

[Dirk Nowitzki]

Golden State has no chance in hell of winning this series. They will be lucky to win another game. Hell they wont even compete much in game 2 cuz the Mavs are going to blow them out badly. The Mavs will adjust and have this series under control in no time. Mark my fucking words on that shit!

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

The problem is just not Davis. The Mavs can double Davis and force him to give up the rock, which is not a great idea since the Warriors will have 4 other guys on the court who can make them pay off the dribble or with the J.

[tlongII]

The Mavs don't match up well with the Warriors. Golden State can shoot over the top of the Mavs' D and they can put 5 guys on the floor who can hit the outside J or drive. This renders the Mavs' D ineffective and has forced the Mavs into an immediate search for something that works. It is eerily reminiscent of what the Spurs faced against those Mavs in last season's playoffs, perhaps worse since the Warriors can roll with Harrington at the 5 and Davis can post up Harris all day long. The Spurs simply laid their traditional first round home game egg yesterday. The Spurs don't have any matchup problems with the Nuggets. They simply lapsed into their normal 'oh, the playoffs started 3.5 quarters ago?' routine. By Game 3 Karl will be whining about how dirty Manu gets to the line so often with flopping or whatever. Spurs in 5. Mavs...?


No matchup problems with the Nuggets?! :lmao

You must be joking!

AI > Parker

Melo > Manu

Camby/Nene = Duncan/Elson


That's not just a matchup problem, it's a matchup NIGHTMARE! :lol

[T Park]

it was both.

too many bricks...

and too many double teams that made us look like a JV team

So the bricks werent the result of that?

fascinating.

[T Park]

only teams in the playoffs can comment in here Tlong, back to the draft prospects thread chump.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

No matchup problems with the Nuggets?! :lmao

You must be joking!

AI > Parker

Melo > Manu

Camby/Nene = Duncan/Elson


That's not just a matchup problem, it's a matchup NIGHTMARE! :lol


How does that change the Spurs' rotation? Bueller?

[T Park]

They'd get even more looks if they had some bigger guys in there to help with the pick-and-roll, but that may not happen if this small lineup crap keeps happening.

if?

if? I think its a given, it is gonna keep happening.

[mFFL03]

they won because bd had a fcuking awesome game. Just like melo and ai had really good games. As long as you're able to contain bd, like hopefully the spurs will be able to do with Melo and ai, you should come out on top. Dirk must have been neutered before the game though, he'll have to play better.


problem is...they have a men named jason richardson, al harrington, and stephen jackson.

jason rich is f'ing amazing. 3 point shooter, and a high flying dunker.

[Shank]

Is it Wednesday yet?

I want to get this junk resolved soon.

[Samr]

While I firmly believe (against my better wishes) that the mavs will win the series, I liked their take on Cold Pizza:

By starting with Dirk at the center and going smaller to match with GS, Avery essentially told his team "we are going to play the 8th seed's game, we are going to adapt to THEM." The belief was that this was a huge mistake on behalf of the mav's coaching staff, as it was basically an admission of being inferior to a worse team. The take was that the mavs should have stayed big, even if it didn't immediately work, because in doing so Avery would have told his team that they are going to play their style of game, no matter what. He would have shown the confidence in his lineup and his players that he so clearly lacked last night.

What do y'all think? Is this a good take? I am inclined to agree with it, somewhat, although I still think it will be Mavs in 6 at most.

[mFFL03]

So the bricks werent the result of that?

fascinating.


you can play good D on someone and they will still make the shot.

We weren't making open shots is what I'm saying.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

If the Mavs play "big" now the series is over in 4.

[T Park]

Its what made the Spurs lose the series last year. Adapting to them.

I don't understand what the Mavericks are gonna do different, thats gonna all of a sudden win them 4 of the next 5.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

Nellie's done this shit before with a low seed. 1991 playoffs to be exact. Limit the effectiveness of an opponent's interior defense by playing a 4 or 5 man who can play outside. At least then the opponent had a hall of fame big man.

[tlongII]

How does that change the Spurs' rotation? Bueller?

What the hell does that mean?! :lol

[mFFL03]

If the Mavs play "big" now the series is over in 4.

how is that?

We never played big against them. The new team that they traded for has never seen Dampier play his usual minutes and game.

The last time we got smashed by them he was out with a shoulder injury.

People are complain about this already, don't sink to a 8th seeders game, stick to your game. The style is how Nellie never made it the next level....make them shoot jumpers, and they are eventually going to go cold....this is exactly how we lost last night.

[Shank]

Its what made the Spurs lose the series last year. Adapting to them.

I don't understand what the Mavericks are gonna do different, thats gonna all of a sudden win them 4 of the next 5.

There are a few things that can be done differently:

1. Don't start Devean George at frickin' center. CENTER.
2. They did well with Diop on the game. He obviously helps with the rebounding and slows down the Layup Train to the basket. Play your centers.
3. Don't let the Warriors dictate the kind of game you're going to play that night. Yes, it's easier said than done, but the Warriors were tickled to see that the Mavs were going to adjust to them rather than vice-versa.
4. Dirk's vagina needs to shrink.

All in all, just play the game that helped get you 67 wins. It's been said a lot since the end of last night's game, but there's no reason why the Mavs should scrap their style to adjust to the Warriors.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

How does it change the Spurs' defensive rotation? That's what it means. The Spurs don't have to change how they play at all against the Nuggets. Years of watching the Blazers must render one unable to understand the game.

[mFFL03]

Its what made the Spurs lose the series last year. Adapting to them.

I don't understand what the Mavericks are gonna do different, thats gonna all of a sudden win them 4 of the next 5.


Use a little more of our depth. Play Damp more, play croshere more, play barea more.....

sure they are spares, but they are fresh legs....exactly how we got to be number 1

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

how is that?

We never played big against them. The new team that they traded for has never seen Dampier play his usual minutes and game.

The last time we got smashed by them he was out with a shoulder injury.

People are complain about this already, don't sink to a 8th seeders game, stick to your game. The style is how Nellie never made it the next level....make them shoot jumpers, and they are eventually going to go cold....this is exactly how we lost last night.


So which big is going to chase Harrington around the perimeter?

[mardigan]

Golden State has no chance in hell of winning this series. They will be lucky to win another game. Hell they wont even compete much in game 2 cuz the Mavs are going to blow them out badly. The Mavs will adjust and have this series under control in no time. Mark my fucking words on that shit!
:lol Yea, they have no shot. They've only beat you six straight times, and stole HC advantage in game 1. B-Diddy is a nightmare matchup for the Mavs, and they play enough d to bother your guys. I doubt one game in the series won by the Mavs will be a blowout

[monosylab1k]

Use a little more of our depth. Play Damp more, play croshere more, play barea more.....

sure they are spares, but they are fresh legs....exactly how we got to be number 1

if that happens we have officially waved the white flag.

[T Park]

:lmao

Mavs fan now advocating the use of Barea and Croshere? :lmao

Ok you start Diop at center, but is Diop gonna go out to the perimiter to guard Harrington or stephen jackson?


dirk's vagina get smaller? :lol You'll be waitin a looooong time for that.

[mFFL03]

So which big is going to chase Harrington around the perimeter?


I say let him shoot lights out if he can. He's only 73-175 on the year. Sure he's 41% but that's probably flukes, left wide open etc.

To put it in perspective, Jason Terry took 162-370 this year with an average of 43%

[Samr]

Maybe this falls too far under "hedging your bets," but if I was avery, I would play with the same lineup that won them 62(?) games. That way, even if you do lose, no one is going to fault you for sticking with what works. To all of the sudden try a new lineup after 82 games is ridiculous, and is essentially starting from scratch. When the Mavs first did that, they opened 0-5. Too bad first round is only 4 games.

Stick with what worked, and if it doesn't still work, then at least go down with the lineup you believe in. If you change it and lose, everyone is going to fault the change, and the coach for making it. Regrets will fly around all off-season. Playoffs aren't the time to try something new.

I think.

[01Snake]

We never played big against them. The new team that they traded for has never seen Dampier play his usual minutes and game.

The last time we got smashed by them he was out with a shoulder injury.



Uh? Dampier sucks.

[mFFL03]

:lmao

Mavs fan now advocating the use of Barea and Croshere? :lmao

Ok you start Diop at center, but is Diop gonna go out to the perimiter to guard Harrington or stephen jackson?


dirk's vagina get smaller? :lol You'll be waitin a looooong time for that.


yeah, you know throw a good 4-8 minutes for each player....it helps out the others.....get some hard fouls in....should I go on?

[mardigan]

I say let him shoot lights out if he can. He's only 73-175 on the year. Sure he's 41% but that's probably flukes, left wide open etc.

To put it in perspective, Jason Terry took 162-370 this year with an average of 43%
Im telling you right now that you dont want to do that. Guy can make big shots

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

Not only have the Warriors forced the Mavs into defending them with a 'small ball' lineup, the Warriors are pretty good at defending the Mavs' small ball lineup or the Mavs' "big" lineup with Nowitzki at the 4. The Mavs' normal advantage against most teams with Dirk at the 4 doesn't work against the Warriors.

[mFFL03]

Uh? Dampier sucks.


yeah, I have a much better time watching Diop swatting Duncan, but what can ya do....

[T Park]

avery played two bigs, I think for about two minutes in the second or 3rd quarters last night, they made a three, and then George came in for Diop :lol

I think Mavs fan is more scared than they want to let on.

[tlongII]

How does it change the Spurs' defensive rotation? That's what it means. The Spurs don't have to change how they play at all against the Nuggets. Years of watching the Blazers must render one unable to understand the game.


If they don't change something they will lose. Guaranteed. Maybe they can get Bowen to step on somebody's foot or something? :lol

[mFFL03]

Im telling you right now that you dont want to do that. Guy can make big shots


Let's see him do it then....just switch on him and get Dampier back to center....


Listen, this theory hasn't been tried out all season....that's what noone on this board is understanding...

so you don't know if it works, and we don't know if it works....but we might as well frickin try it

[monosylab1k]

well i'm convinced, the Mavs are getting swept. I forgot what talentless wastes we have on our team, and there's no way we could possibly counter anything offered by the ultra-talent of the 42 win Warriors.

[T Park]

yeah, I have a much better time watching Diop swatting Duncan, but what can ya do....

:lmao

Duncan doesn't play for the Warriors stay on topic kiddo.

[mFFL03]

avery played two bigs, I think for about two minutes in the second or 3rd quarters last night, they made a three, and then George came in for Diop :lol

I think Mavs fan is more scared than they want to let on.


thats called a knee jerk

[clambake]

I can't see how they can chase these guys as they fly around the court. The spurs simply lost, the mavs were killed. They were never in this game, even with the lead. Everybody could sense this. GS matchups are lethal. Their speed kills. Harris is the reason it was close, till the end. Who else is going to slash to the basket? Expect Nelson to remedy that.

[T Park]

well i'm convinced, the Mavs are getting swept. I forgot what talentless wastes we have on our team, and there's no way we could possibly counter anything offered by the ultra-talent of the 42 win Warriors.

God get the icy hot out of your vagina and debate like an adult, jees louise.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

All it will take is Ginobili not settling for the 3, Parker being a little more aggressive in transition, and Duncan asserting himself on the block.

[T Park]

thats called a knee jerk

Did the two bigs work during the regular season?

[T Park]

All it will take is Ginobili not settling for the 3, Parker being a little more aggressive in transition, and Duncan asserting himself on the block.

Add in bowen playing 30 minutes and your spot on.

[Shank]

avery played two bigs, I think for about two minutes in the second or 3rd quarters last night, they made a three, and then George came in for Diop :lol

I think Mavs fan is more scared than they want to let on.

Not scared. There's concern because of the matchup problems that the Warriors pose, but I can't think of any team the Mavs would beat when they shoot 35%.

[monosylab1k]

God get the icy hot out of your vagina and debate like an adult, jees louise.

the second you look at the series objectively i will too.

[T Park]

:lol

So objective, is being more mavs homer, got it :lmao :rolleyes

[clambake]

GS had lots to do with the mavs shooting percentage. Don't kid yourself.

[T Park]

There's concern because of the matchup problems that the Warriors pose, but I can't think of any team the Mavs would beat when they shoot 35%.

You guys keep bringing up the shooting, Sure you could shoot better, but what about the Warriors? Pietrus was o-fer, Richardson could shoot from the outside better.

I mean theres alot of things the Mavericks could improve, but so could the warriors.

Nellie is a damn good coach, thats another thing to not discount.

[monosylab1k]

:lol

So objective, is being more mavs homer, got it :lmao :rolleyes

who's a homer? i just said the mavs are about to get swept.

[Shank]

GS had lots to do with the mavs shooting percentage. Don't kid yourself.

Only due to the lineups the Mavs had to put out there. They didn't have the personnel to execute what usually gets them points. But you can't give GS credit for the Mavs missing wide-open layups and gimmes under the basket. That's just poor play.

[T Park]

GS had lots to do with the mavs shooting percentage. Don't kid yourself.

Long, quick forwards and guards.

Thats how you beat dallas, and GS has em, and now after last night, they have all the confidence in the friggen world.

[T Park]

who's a homer? i just said the mavs are about to get swept.

You said when I be more objective.

So I have to love the mavericks more, to look at this objectively, I dont think so, but once again, douche the vagina and bring a real take.

[T Park]

They didn't have the personnel to execute what usually gets them points

Thats what GS is doing, its making the Mavericks HAVE TO PLAY personnel that favors them, rather than the Maverick's favorable lineup that got em 66 wins or whatever.

[monosylab1k]

You said when I be more objective.

So I have to love the mavericks more, to look at this objectively, I dont think so, but once again, douche the vagina and bring a real take.

i just said that you convinced me. i'm absolutely convinced. apparently you think the Warriors will sweep as well? am i wrong?

[Shank]

Long, quick forwards and guards.

Thats how you beat dallas, and GS has em, and now after last night, they have all the confidence in the friggen world.

Even with those quick guards, Devin Harris had plenty of streaks to the basket for easy lay-ins. Then Avery started second-guessing himself and didn't call for that anymore. Just another point of the Mavs being outcoached last night - both from Nelly and themselves.

[mFFL03]

Did the two bigs work during the regular season?


GTFO

you have no idea what you are talking about, and you just proved it.

look up the previous games that we played against them. look at the line-ups, and look who didn't play due to injury.

come back when you get up-to-date on your debate stance.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

It certainly looks like Nellie built a team to beat the Mavs. Cuban must've really pissed him off.

[T Park]

i just said that you convinced me. i'm absolutely convinced. apparently you think the Warriors will sweep as well? am i wrong?

No i said before this started Mavericks in 7.

That ok for you now? Can you whipe the tears away? god.



Even with those quick guards, Devin Harris had plenty of streaks to the basket for easy lay-ins. Then Avery started second-guessing himself and didn't call for that anymore. Just another point of the Mavs being outcoached last night - both from Nelly and themselves.

So Avery could've run the same "Harris drive to the hole" play and the Wariors wouldn't have adjusted?

[clambake]

This has all the ingredients for a nightmare outcome. GS could care less about their season record. They have played lights out for weeks, now. Last night was the first time I saw Avery without a clue. This could be sweet revenge for Nellie. He could care less about any adjustments the mavs make. Game 2 is crucial for the mavs.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

GTFO

you have no idea what you are talking about, and you just proved it.

look up the previous games that we played against them. look at the line-ups, and look who didn't play due to injury.

come back when you get up-to-date on your debate stance.

Now Mav Fan is telling Spurs fans to get out of a Spurs fan forum?

[T Park]

GTFO

you have no idea what you are talking about, and you just proved it.

look up the previous games that we played against them. look at the line-ups, and look who didn't play due to injury.

come back when you get up-to-date on your debate stance.

So Erick dampier is the secret weapon?

:lmao

you maverick fans sureeeee get testy.

[monosylab1k]

No i said before this started Mavericks in 7.

That ok for you now? Can you whipe the tears away? god.

not ok yet. what makes you think the Mavs are capable of winning in 7?

[mFFL03]

Now Mav Fan is telling Spurs fans to get out of a Spurs fan forum?


And you take sides with a guy with Beno Udrih for his picture? Ok...

[T Park]

Now Mav Fan is telling Spurs fans to get out of a Spurs fan forum?


ya know Dirk said something last night in the press conference that was telling.


"We have alot of pressure coming into this series, and they have none, now after tonight we have even more, and we have to figure out how to handle it"


Dirk, dude, FIGURE OUT HOW TO HANDLE IT!??!?



I think if you shot some truth syrum into em, you're gonna hear alot of people say "I think the mavericks can lose this series"

[Shank]

So Avery could've run the same "Harris drive to the hole" play and the Wariors wouldn't have adjusted?

Surely they would have, but why not milk it for as long as possible? Avery went away from it too soon.

[T Park]

And you take sides with a guy with Beno Udrih for his picture? Ok...

if you werent a troll and payed attention to this forum all year, you'd understand why udrih is there.

GTFO!!!!

:lmao

[T Park]

not ok yet. what makes you think the Mavs are capable of winning in 7?

because when its all said and done they have the better horses.

They have more experience, and they have the mvp.

I mean that should win against an 8 seed right?

[Shank]

I think if you shot some truth syrum into em, you're gonna hear alot of people say "I think the mavericks can lose this series"

Yeah, but any team CAN lose any series. Don't you think the Spurs CAN lose the series to the Nuggets? It's our jobs as fans to use the word CAN in this case instead of WILL.

[T Park]

Surely they would have, but why not milk it for as long as possible? Avery went away from it too soon

Well pop does the same thing, and its when he goes to Manu or Duncan.

Or in your guy's case, Dirk or Howard.

[nkdlunch]

Angry Johnson fucked up because he changed his lineup which had been working all season long for the mavs. what a fucking moron.

Now they have to go back to square 1 to prepare for Warriors. The bad thing about that is that they are in a 0-1 hole.

Spurs don't have to go back to square 1. they already know what would work to beat the Nuggets.

[T Park]

Yeah, but any team CAN lose any series. Don't you think the Spurs CAN lose the series to the Nuggets? It's our jobs as fans to use the word CAN in this case instead of WILL

I said the spurs could lose way back a couple weeks ago when it was evident that the Nuggets were the matchup.

[Kori Ellis]

Nellie built the Warriors to beat the Mavs. Just like the Mavs are built to beat the Spurs. They create amazing mismatches. Nellie's small ball team causes havoc for the Mavericks at almost every position. The key is for the Mavs to win is they have to find the position they can exploit and pound the ball there offensively.

Just like the Spurs right now with the Nuggets .. Denver causes a lot of problems for the Spurs in matchups. But there's a couple positions that the Spurs can dominate offensively. One is Ginobili - the Nuggets don't have anyone who can try to guard him. The Spurs need to focus on Manu aggressively attacking offensively.

No matter what doomsday it seems for Spurs/Mavs - the series are 7 games. I knew Nellie's GS team would rattle the Mavs but AJ is very good at adjusting.

[T Park]

Angry Johnson fucked up because he changed his lineup which had been working all season long for the mavs. what a fucking moron.

Now they have to go back to square 1 to prepare for Warriors. The bad thing about that is that they are in a 0-1 hole.

Spurs don't have to go back to square 1. they already know what would work to beat the Nuggets.

The problem is.

if they go back to the other lineup, the warriors could smoke em just as easil as they did in game 1.

[Three_Rings]

Dallas will not lose the series.

Dallas will lose in 6 because they don't have any rings.

[Kibic]

Its what made the Spurs lose the series last year. Adapting to them.

I don't understand what the Mavericks are gonna do different, thats gonna all of a sudden win them 4 of the next 5.
It is easy. Dirk hitting some 3s and it is all over. Simple as possible.

[Shank]

Dallas will lose in 6 because they don't have any rings.

He's onto something here...

[mFFL03]

wow such great circular arguments in this thread.....I think I'll bow out respectively....

[dbreiden83080]

This series is so dangerous for the Spurs because late in games if it is close they have 2 guys that are basically unstoppable on offense and can win the Nuggets the game. Spurs as a team are much better and need to physically grind these games out for 3 qtrs with their D and hammer them inside with Duncan so come 4th qtr the Nuggets don't have much left.

[nkdlunch]

I think I'll bow out respectively....

just like the Mavs in round 1? :smokin

[T Park]

good idea you do that.


It is easy. Dirk hiting some 3s and it is all over. Simple as posible

Dirk has to play as a bigman in this series with the matchups that are there.

THATs another reason, that Golden state can win this.

it forces Dirk to be a good defender and rebounder.

Rebounder yeah, but hes not an around the basket defender like duncan is.

Thats another reason why Golden state won by such a margin last night.

[T Park]

This series is so dangerous for the Spurs because late in games if it is close they have 2 guys that are basically unstoppable on offense and can win the Nuggets the game. Spurs as a team are much better and need to physically grind these games out for 3 qtrs with their D and hammer them inside with Duncan so come 4th qtr the Nuggets don't have much left.

play the best perimiter defender in basketball more minutes than a bench guy's minutes, and you can win.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

The Mavs aren't going to come up with a magical defensive solution that will stop the Warriors. They will need to find something that works well for them on offense and force the Warriors to adjust. Perhaps that will help force the Warriors to change their rotations and cool them off on the offensive end. I don't really see that. Maybe the Mavs try to pound the ball inside, but their low post threats aren't all that great. This is a true nightmare for Cuban and AJ.

[Supergirl]

I expect Mavs will put Howard on Baron in the next game, because he's their best defender. George can't contain him, but should be able to do OK on Jax or whoever else gets hot. I also expect the Mavs should be able to win the series, but I do think that their problem is a lot different than the Spurs. When was the last time we saw a team that won 67 wins in the regular season completely revamp their starting roster and gameplan to face an 8 seed? The Mavs need to be worried about the Warriors, because they give them a lot of serious problems.

On the other hand, the Spurs ALMOST WON LAST NIGHT (they were within 2 pts in less than minute) despite Manu, Tim, and Tony all playing subpar games. I said it before, Manu is the real key to the series. Tim has to be aggressive and back Camby and Nene down, but Manu is the real key to winning. He'll come back strong in the next game, I predict. So unlike the Mavs, the Spurs really don't have to adjust their whole style of play or lineup -- they just have to stay focused on what has always been successful for them.

[Testing]

I don't understand those arguing that Avery should have went big. I saw a bit of the game and he played Diop (a Big) at the center who ended up getting something like 3 fouls in very limited time. It doesn't work because he's matched up against a very small, quick "guard" on the inside.

I personally thought it was smart of AJ to start Devean George. His size, speed, defense can match up better with GS. If Stackhouse who normally is instant offense for the Mavs (and who I think is the mismatch for the Warriors) makes a couple shots, Mavs could easily have been in this game and won it. I don't expect that to continue.

GS don't play good enough defense when their offense isn't flowing which is going to be their downfall.

I do find it ironic that this series, AJ is doing the same mistake Pop did against him last season: Going small/changing your lineup to match the other team instead of having it the other way around.

[tlongII]

Nellie built the Warriors to beat the Mavs. Just like the Mavs are built to beat the Spurs. They create amazing mismatches. Nellie's small ball team causes havoc for the Mavericks at almost every position. The key is for the Mavs to win is they have to find the position they can exploit and pound the ball there offensively.

Just like the Spurs right now with the Nuggets .. Denver causes a lot of problems for the Spurs in matchups. But there's a couple positions that the Spurs can dominate offensively. One is Ginobili - the Nuggets don't have anyone who can try to guard him. The Spurs need to focus on Manu aggressively attacking offensively.

No matter what doomsday it seems for Spurs/Mavs - the series are 7 games. I knew Nellie's GS team would rattle the Mavs but AJ is very good at adjusting.


I think you make some good points. However, the problem with Ginobili is that he will need to go to the rack to dominate offensively and Denver has 2 very good bigs in Camby and Nene' who will block his shot. San Antonio needs to get Camby and/or Nene' in foul trouble to have a shot a winning the series. They might be able to do that by constantly pounding it inside. We'll see.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Spurs and Mavs will both win their respective series. Book it.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I say let him shoot lights out if he can. He's only 73-175 on the year. Sure he's 41% but that's probably flukes, left wide open etc.

To put it in perspective, Jason Terry took 162-370 this year with an average of 43%

Good call. You say to let him shoot, but then chalk up his percentages to being open. mFFL logic for ya...

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

The Mavs could go with the old standby and try to screen roll the Warriors to death.

[T Park]

watching this 4th quarter again.

The mavs gotta change more than lineups.

Their offense was horrible against the wariors defense.

[nsrammstein]

:lol spurs fans trying to make themselves feel ''confident'' against the nuggets by bringing up the mavs loss :lol

[nkdlunch]

:lol spurs fans trying to make themselves feel ''confident'' against the nuggets by bringing up the mavs loss :lol

that is funny. but funnier was to see Mark Cuban's face last night :lol

[mardigan]

:lol spurs fans trying to make themselves feel ''confident'' against the nuggets by bringing up the mavs loss :lol
Why not, we only lost by 6. At least we didnt get blown out :lol

[Kevin Blackistone]

Nellie built the Warriors to beat the Mavs. Just like the Mavs are built to beat the Spurs. They create amazing mismatches. Nellie's small ball team causes havoc for the Mavericks at almost every position. The key is for the Mavs to win is they have to find the position they can exploit and pound the ball there offensively.

Just like the Spurs right now with the Nuggets .. Denver causes a lot of problems for the Spurs in matchups. But there's a couple positions that the Spurs can dominate offensively. One is Ginobili - the Nuggets don't have anyone who can try to guard him. The Spurs need to focus on Manu aggressively attacking offensively.

No matter what doomsday it seems for Spurs/Mavs - the series are 7 games. I knew Nellie's GS team would rattle the Mavs but AJ is very good at adjusting.

When Duncan is awake and not missing 3 ft shots, he's a mismatch for the Nuggets. Consistent production from TD that brings the constant doubles is what will open things up for both Parker and Manu. Even though the rust was evident yesterday, I was most disappointed with the defense, especially in the 4th. It was as slow and pourous as it has been all year.

[Cry Havoc]

So... I can't help but notice...


Zone defenses are legal.....


And the Warriors don't shoot 3s particularly well.....


Just a thought.....


Same pretty much goes for the Spurs....

[LEONARD]

Armed and ready, sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b52-bomb.jpg

[ShoogarBear]

Is it Wednesday yet?

I want to get this junk resolved soon.:lol
:tu

[DDS4]

I don't know why the Mavs have to change their lineup at all. Why the hell start Dirk at center for the 1st time this season? It was a miscalculated move by AJ.

Just as miscalculated as Pop trying to beat the Mavs with small ball last season.

[Cry Havoc]

:lol
:tu


Dude don't stick your thumb in your mouth. I'm a little annoyed by Game 1 too but it's no reason to get that nervous. Who knows where it's been?

[ShoogarBear]

:donkey
:tu

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

:donkey
:tu

That's just too damn funny.

[TMIMITW]

http://app3.websitetonight.com/projects/4/4/4/6/444668/uploads/MIM_painted.jpg

"In Argentina it is customary after dinner to stick one's :tu in their :donkey to show the host that the meal was enjoyed."

- The Most Interesting Man In The World

[Shank]

:jack
:tu

[TMIMITW]

:jack
:tu

A topic you are well qualified to discuss, my friend.

[DarrinS]

Just like the Spurs right now with the Nuggets .. Denver causes a lot of problems for the Spurs in matchups. But there's a couple positions that the Spurs can dominate offensively. One is Ginobili - the Nuggets don't have anyone who can try to guard him. The Spurs need to focus on Manu aggressively attacking offensively.


That was definitely missing in game 1. Manu has fallen too much in love with his three point shot. The last 4 minutes of the game was when we needed this the most and it just never happened.

[SilverPlayer]

If the Mavs problem is structural...Then the Spurs problem with the Mavs is also structural. We better hope the Mavs get beat, because then we will have the same problem with the Mavs that they are having with the Warriors.

[dg7md]

The best team doesn't always win the 7 game series, that logic is flawed. The best PLAYING team does, though. And while the Mavs are easily the best team in the NBA they are being severely confused due to this Warriors team.

This team got amazingly better after the trade, I am convinced without injury and if they had all of their pieces now, they'd be the 5th seed in the west. But none of this matters now, the point that many fail to mention when people still claim the Mavs will easily win, is that they've never beaten a Nellie-coached Warrior team. Is that merely coincidental or because Nellie has their number?

Let's get it straight, AJ obviously has our number. Is it because he knows the style of coaching Pop does first hand? The same way Nellie does about AJ? It doesn't help the Mavericks that the Warriors probably have the most pure athletic team in the league with three great clutch players --Baron, Sjax, and Jrich. That is a scary lineup on its own, mix in a young blossoming star in Ellis and a strong athletic Harrington (who was one of the most wanted free agents last year) and you have a team that can beat anybody.

This has a George Mason-like feel to it. Hardly anybody expected the Warriors to make a splash, but they have, and they now know that they can beat the Mavs because they've done it many times before.

Golden State was a great home team too, can you imagine how psyched the fans will be? Playoffs in the Bay Area again, against a team that they have beaten, like the last 7 out of 8 times (I think). That will be quite a huge leap for the Mavs to overcome, and what makes people think it'll be as easy as "Well, AJ has done it before."? Has AJ done it against Nellie before? We know he did it to Pop, but he wasn't Pop's assistant coach.

I really don't think this series will be as easily won as some fans think, infact, I find it difficult to see the Mavs bridging this gap to win this series, they haven't done it yet, and I think it is a mix of Warrior confidence and I think that confidence will put them back in their Finals 06 shell and we will see a monumental collapse of the Mavs again. It is not impossible for the Mavs to overcome, but so far they've shown nothing to prove otherwise.

The Spurs could lose against the Nuggets, too, and that isn't really anything to be ashamed of. AI, Camby, and Melo? Can't get a much better foundation for a team than that. Plus a 3 seed losing to a 6 seed isn't unheard of.

In the NHL, the 8th seeded Oilers took out the Red Wings last year to advance to make it to the finals (although losing to Carolina). Could a similar situation happen this year in the NBA? I am not jumping to conclusions but I think this Warrior team causes a lot of problems in the league and their poise will now be another key factor in stopping them. Sjax is a machine when he is on, and he wants to prove it on a big time level again, he hasn't done it since 03 with the Spurs.

One thing simple to say, if anybody can stop these well-oiled Mavericks, it's definitely the Warriors, not the Spurs, not the Suns.

[phxspurfan]

I like how Nellie said in the post-game interview that he doesnt think his team will win the finals, and that to get one win is very nice. That kind of subtle psychology will probably fire his team up to steal at least one more win in the series, just out of emotion and from playing harder to impress him.

[SilverPlayer]

One thing simple to say, if anybody can stop these well-oiled Mavericks, it's definitely the Warriors, not the Spurs, not the Suns.

Nice analysis. Thanks for posting and I agree.

[jbspurs]

Hmmm...whatever makes you feel better.

But it should be noted that Devean George was on Davis most of the time, not Harris.

And if it's so 'eerily reminiscent' of last year's Mavs/Spurs series, then I may need a refresher of how that panned out. Didn't SA eventually adjust and take the game to the final minutes of a 7th game? I'd say if it was so reminiscent of that series, then this current Dal/GS is far from over. But it's up to Avery to do what's right and play with what got you here. Not adjusting to what Nelly wants to dictate.



MATCHUP PROBLEM...IT'S OVER!!!IT'S OVER!!!!!!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Nellie built the Warriors to beat the Mavs. Just like the Mavs are built to beat the Spurs. They create amazing mismatches. Nellie's small ball team causes havoc for the Mavericks at almost every position. The key is for the Mavs to win is they have to find the position they can exploit and pound the ball there offensively.

Just like the Spurs right now with the Nuggets .. Denver causes a lot of problems for the Spurs in matchups. But there's a couple positions that the Spurs can dominate offensively. One is Ginobili - the Nuggets don't have anyone who can try to guard him. The Spurs need to focus on Manu aggressively attacking offensively.

No matter what doomsday it seems for Spurs/Mavs - the series are 7 games. I knew Nellie's GS team would rattle the Mavs but AJ is very good at adjusting.

The more I think about it, the more Kori is on the money. Nellie knows what makes every player on that Mavs squad tick, save Devin Harris. And in Devin's case, he just does the obvious thing and sends Baron Davis into the post whenever Devin is on him :lol

Dallas has got some serious challenges to overcome in this series.

[my2sons]

You put Howard on him and he doesn't go off like that. But props to Davis - he was nuts last night. Doesn't he shoot something like 30% from 3? He was knocking them down blindfolded.

Why are you guys doing this? Both teams are 0-1 and their fanbases should be humble at this point. I don't get how comparing the Mavs loss to the Spurs loss makes anyone feel better. They're still losses.

may not be a bad idea, but who is your point guard going to cover, sjax???
GS is matchup nighmares, I do believe that it may have been partly matchups, partly shooting lights out and a little luck, but thats what you need to upset in the the playoffs, but can they do 4 time, I don't know. Aj created doubt by matching up with Nelly instead of going with what brought them there and then matching up. I am not so sure going back to your regular starting lineup does add some more doubt, like lets try this and see if it works. I still think dallas will win the series, but it will be fun to see cuban squirm and froth at the mouth a bit

[VaSpursFan]

nellie the mad scientist is a brilliant basketball strategist. he thoroughly confused the shit out of Dirk with the doubles that were coming on every spin dribble he took. that was genius. dirk had no freaking idea where the double was coming from. this is gonna be a tough series for the mavs but if they stay strong mentally, they should take it.

[Kibic]

It is easy. Dirk hitting some 3s and it is all over. Simple as possible.
I agree with myself!! If you are good, you are good.
Shooting for 3 ...let say...8/11 and it is over. Then everything looks totaly different.

[Kibic]

Worriors would need at least 2 Greek players an 1 Lithuanian to win against Dallas. If they could get another Serb or even Slovenian they would be a NBA champs. :dramaquee

[Findog]

The Mavs just need to drive to the hoop, absorb the contact to get the whistles and not settle for jumpers. Playing small like the Warriors do has its benefits, but it also has its costs. The Mavericks have to exploit it. If the Mavs decided to go small in order to defend the 3-point line, it simply didn't work. GS averaged 8-25 from behind the arc on the season, they shot 10-30 against Dallas' small lineup on Sunday. They're going to chuck up a bunch of threes and hit some no matter what. Dampier has 4 inches and 30 lbs on Harrington, he can dunk on his ass repeatedly and make the Warriors pay a price for smallball. If you're playing chess, you don't sacrifice a bishop without getting anything in return. You play the way you got 67 wins until it's apparent that's not going to cut it. You don't automatically adjust to a lower seed without a shot fired.

[bdictjames]

Do the Warriors have a bigger chance of winning the series?

I think Den-S.A. is like 30-70.

[NO LIMIT ARMY COMMANDER]

...and that is why I command this army.

[timvp]

Nice.

:smokin