Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 4

[timvp]

Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 1
Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 2
Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 3

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

Tim Duncan says he feels better. Tim Duncan has looked healthier as of late. Tim Duncan has a history of stepping up for the playoffs. He got this.

2) Who Will Slow Tony Parker?

Devin Harris lives in New Jersey. Jason Kidd has never been able to guard him. Who exactly is going to stay in front of him? Parker will get in the lane ... repeatedly.

3) Pop Learned from 2006

Going with Michael Finley as the starting power forward didn't work last time. Since that series, at least two teams have shown how to handle Dirk Nowitzki. Pop has watched and learned. He will now show and prove.

4) Avery Johnson Works for ESPN

When Avery Johnson was the Mavs coach, he knew the Spurs system inside and out. Heck, he was responsible for creating a large amount of the Spurs system. Rick Carlisle is a good coach but he doesn't have Johnson's advantages.

5) The Mavs Struggle on the Road

The Mavs were 18-23 on the road this season. Since Christmas, the Mavs have all of one road win against a Western Conference playoff team. The Spurs need to get this opening game and remind the Mavs that they don't play well away from Dallas.

6) The Spurs Thrive on the Road

The Spurs were 26-15 on the road this season. Only the Spurs and the Lakers in the West had less than 20 road losses. If the Spurs can hold serve, this team knows how to steal one away from home.

7) Veteran Role Players

Successful playoff teams almost always have veteran role players. Veteran role players know what they are doing when it comes to money time. Every player in the Spurs rotation is experienced and at least somewhat battle tested.

8) Defense Wins Championships

In 2006, the Mavs were a comparable defensive team. This year, even though the Spurs aren't where they normally are at this point in the season, San Antonio is the better defensive team. When it comes down to getting a big stop, the Spurs know how to get that done.

9) Backs Against the Wall

Nobody is really giving the Spurs that much a shot to make noise in the playoffs. But this team usually comes out swinging when their backs are against the wall. Throughout all the adversity this season, the Spurs have proven they don't buckle when the going gets tough.

10) The Mavs are, well, the Mavs

Not sure how else to say it. Yes, the Mavs beat the Spurs in 2006. However, since that point, their confidence has to have taken a hit. Dallas is just 3-12 in their last 15 playoff games. They haven't won a road playoff game in almost three years. The Spurs need to win Game 1 and remind the Mavs that they are indeed the Mavs.

1.

Believe.

[duncan228]

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

Tim Duncan says he feels better. Tim Duncan has looked healthier as of late. Tim Duncan has a history of stepping up for the playoffs. He got this.

Duncan will rise and his team will rise with him.

Believe.

I always do.


Thanks so much for the series breakdown. Fantastic work and it's greatly appreciated. There's a reason this site is so wonderful, and it starts at the top with you and Kori.

[quentin_compson]

Thanks so much for the series breakdown. Fantastic work and it's greatly appreciated. There's a reason this site is so wonderful, and it starts at the top with you and Kori.

Couldn't have said it any better.

Those were some nice points you made. If Duncan's body allows him to rise, then rise he will. And if that happens, I like our chances in this series.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great read

I can't wait for the game

[ElNono]

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

Tim Duncan says he feels better. Tim Duncan has looked healthier as of late. Tim Duncan has a history of stepping up for the playoffs. He got this.

[timvp]

^^

[anjlbitz]

I hope someone goes to that game with a poster worded like this

[Mugen]

3) Pop Learned from 2006

Going with Michael Finley as the starting power forward didn't work last time. Since that series, at least two teams have shown how to handle Dirk Nowitzki. Pop has watched and learned. He will now show and prove.

i pray to god this is true.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I question whether or not we have evidence in recent history that Pop actually changes strategies after past mistakes.

Certainly not so far when it comes to the Mavs.
Learning from past mistakes is not the same as adjusting to past mistakes.

[peskypesky]

Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 1
Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 2
Spurs vs. Mavs - First Round Series Preview - Part 3

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

Tim Duncan says he feels better. Tim Duncan has looked healthier as of late. Tim Duncan has a history of stepping up for the playoffs. He got this.

2) Who Will Slow Tony Parker?

Devin Harris lives in New Jersey. Jason Kidd has never been able to guard him. Who exactly is going to stay in front of him? Parker will get in the lane ... repeatedly.

3) Pop Learned from 2006

Going with Michael Finley as the starting power forward didn't work last time. Since that series, at least two teams have shown how to handle Dirk Nowitzki. Pop has watched and learned. He will now show and prove.

4) Avery Johnson Works for ESPN

When Avery Johnson was the Mavs coach, he knew the Spurs system inside and out. Heck, he was responsible for creating a large amount of the Spurs system. Rick Carlisle is a good coach but he doesn't have Johnson's advantages.

5) The Mavs Struggle on the Road

The Mavs were 18-23 on the road this season. Since Christmas, the Mavs have all of one road win against a Western Conference playoff team. The Spurs need to get this opening game and remind the Mavs that they don't play well away from Dallas.

6) The Spurs Thrive on the Road

The Spurs were 26-15 on the road this season. Only the Spurs and the Lakers in the West had less than 20 road losses. If the Spurs can hold serve, this team knows how to steal one away from home.

7) Veteran Role Players

Successful playoff teams almost always have veteran role players. Veteran role players know what they are doing when it comes to money time. Every player in the Spurs rotation is experienced and at least somewhat battle tested.

8) Defense Wins Championships

In 2006, the Mavs were a comparable defensive team. This year, even though the Spurs aren't where they normally are at this point in the season, San Antonio is the better defensive team. When it comes down to getting a big stop, the Spurs know how to get that done.

9) Backs Against the Wall

Nobody is really giving the Spurs that much a shot to make noise in the playoffs. But this team usually comes out swinging when their backs are against the wall. Throughout all the adversity this season, the Spurs have proven they don't buckle when the going gets tough.

10) The Mavs are, well, the Mavs

Not sure how else to say it. Yes, the Mavs beat the Spurs in 2006. However, since that point, their confidence has to have taken a hit. Dallas is just 3-12 in their last 15 playoff games. They haven't won a road playoff game in almost three years. The Spurs need to win Game 1 and remind the Mavs that they are indeed the Mavs.

1.

Believe.

Pure ing genius!

[itzsoweezee]

I question whether or not we have evidence in recent history that Pop actually changes strategies after past mistakes.

everything i've seen suggests the opposite. of course, i'd be open to hearing examples of popovich making a change for the better. michael finley is still getting major minutes on this team, pop continues to not play young players, etc.

[mavs>spurs2]

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

Tim Duncan says he feels better. Tim Duncan has looked healthier as of late. Tim Duncan has a history of stepping up for the playoffs. He got this.

He's looked alot better recently, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's 100%

2) Who Will Slow Tony Parker?

Devin Harris lives in New Jersey. Jason Kidd has never been able to guard him. Who exactly is going to stay in front of him? Parker will get in the lane ... repeatedly.

This is a good point. Parker will get his

3) Pop Learned from 2006

Going with Michael Finley as the starting power forward didn't work last time. Since that series, at least two teams have shown how to handle Dirk Nowitzki. Pop has watched and learned. He will now show and prove.

While this is true, the Spurs don't have the personnel to replicate the Dirk stopping defense. Dirk owned Bowen back in 2006, and it wouldn't even be close today. Outside of Bowen, there's no other long athletic wings to swarm Dirk.

4) Avery Johnson Works for ESPN

When Avery Johnson was the Mavs coach, he knew the Spurs system inside and out. Heck, he was responsible for creating a large amount of the Spurs system. Rick Carlisle is a good coach but he doesn't have Johnson's advantages.

Another great point.

5) The Mavs Struggle on the Road

The Mavs were 18-23 on the road this season. Since Christmas, the Mavs have all of one road win against a Western Conference playoff team. The Spurs need to get this opening game and remind the Mavs that they don't play well away from Dallas.

Once again, right on the money. We suck terribly on the road, one win against a WC playoff team on the road is unfathomable.

6) The Spurs Thrive on the Road

The Spurs were 26-15 on the road this season. Only the Spurs and the Lakers in the West had less than 20 road losses. If the Spurs can hold serve, this team knows how to steal one away from home.

Regular season. We've already shown that we're capable of going into SA and winning a game 7 on the road, and you guys have shown you can also win in Dallas. I'm not sure how much bearing this little stat will have now that the real games have arrived.

7) Veteran Role Players

Successful playoff teams almost always have veteran role players. Veteran role players know what they are doing when it comes to money time. Every player in the Spurs rotation is experienced and at least somewhat battle tested.

Good point, although the Spurs role players are damn weak overall outside of Mason/Hill.

8) Defense Wins Championships

In 2006, the Mavs were a comparable defensive team. This year, even though the Spurs aren't where they normally are at this point in the season, San Antonio is the better defensive team. When it comes down to getting a big stop, the Spurs know how to get that done.

While this is true, I'm not sure how well you guys match up defensively with US specifically. Dirk is going to get his no matter what, and if you throw Bowen at him than look for Howard to have a monster series. You guys don't really have anyone to guard JET besides maybe Hill who doesn't play major minutes.

9) Backs Against the Wall

Nobody is really giving the Spurs that much a shot to make noise in the playoffs. But this team usually comes out swinging when their backs are against the wall. Throughout all the adversity this season, the Spurs have proven they don't buckle when the going gets tough.

Our backs are against the wall just as much as you guys. Jason Kidd is playing for his last contract, and this team is on the verge of needing to dismantle. We have just as much to prove as you guys, and don't want to go out at the hands of a hated rival.

10) The Mavs are, well, the Mavs

Not sure how else to say it. Yes, the Mavs beat the Spurs in 2006. However, since that point, their confidence has to have taken a hit. Dallas is just 3-12 in their last 15 playoff games. They haven't won a road playoff game in almost three years. The Spurs need to win Game 1 and remind the Mavs that they are indeed the Mavs.[/B]

Both of these teams are s s of their former selves. The Spurs have taken a hit just as big as we have. Bowen is averaging a career low 19mpg, no Horry, Finley's a year older, no MANU GINOBILI, etc. The Spurs only finished 6-4 in their last 10, let's not pretend like the Mavs have fallen off while these are still your same Spurs from past years. No matter what, when it comes down to it, this series is personal and won't be easy for any team. This grueling series will probably hamper the winner going into the next round.

[NewJerSpur]

I love points 3-5 especially timvp. If Tony terrorizes the Mavs like he did the Suns last year in the 1st round we may not miss Manu as much as Dallas will miss Diop and Harris.

[lurker23]

The time to believe is....now.

[Obstructed_View]

I'm starting to....believe.

[Whisky Dog]

1) Tim Duncan Will Rise Again

True, Timmy is still a playoff beast, but Matt Bonner is playing next to him for large stretches of the game. Advantage Mavs.

2) Who Will Slow Tony Parker?

Apparently the 5'9" JJ Barea. Who would've thought?

3) Pop Learned from 2006

Learning to play big and making Matt Bonner that extra big really isn't learning at all.

4) Avery Johnson Works for ESPN

Sean Avery could coach the Mavs to a win in this series against Pop.

5) The Mavs Struggle on the Road

Until April 18th, 2009

6) The Spurs Thrive on the Road

They better be ing amazing because they suck at home.

7) Veteran Role Players

Depends on what veterans you have. Old ass broken down? Check.
Clutch? Negative.

8) Defense Wins Championships

Unfortunately there isn't any defense in SA.

9) Backs Against the Wall

They are really against the wall now.

10) The Mavs are, well, the Mavs

Unless they play the Spurs.

1.

Un- ing-Believable.