Official Mark Aguirre/George Gervin Gameday Thread

[Findog]

http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2009/11...game-8-preview

The Match-ups:



Point Guard

Jason Kidd: Everyone continues to make claims that Kidd simply cannot stand up against the young, quick point guards in the league, yet he continues to prove the naysayers wrong. Last night against the Rockets was no different. The Rockets Aaron Brooks was on fire in the first quarter, making acrobatic shot after acrobatic shot, but Kidd stayed steady and in the end it was the leadership and experience of Kidd that won out in the end.

vs.

Tony Parker George Hill: The Spurs 2008 first round draft choice should get his second consecutive start due to the ankle injury suffered by Tony Parker. Hill is a good shooting point guard, as he is shooting 46% from the field and 57% from beyond the arc. Make no mistake though he is not Tony Parker.

Edge:Mavericks

Shooting Guard

Josh Howard: Josh in his second game back had another solid scoring night, dropping in 14 points. Josh's ankle is still very tender and bothersome at times, this was very visible last night in the third quarter. Josh had to move very gingerly on it, and it is the ankle that is causing him difficulty getting the proper lift that he needs on his jump shot. Josh is going to be fine, the more he plays the better that tender ankle will get, and so will his jump shot.

vs.

Michael Finley: The first look at "Sir Bricks-A-Lot" of the year for the Mavs. Fin is going to make a few dazzling shots, but you can also count on several hideously ugly shots as well, and at least once he will dribble the ball off his feet. Finley's job these days is to simply stand behind the arc and then not to screw up when he gets the ball.

Edge: Mavericks. This match up is not even close, even with Howards bum ankle.

Forward

Shawn Marion: While Shawn did not have an extremely significant impact on the offensive end last night against the Rockets (10 points) it was his defense on Trevor Ariza that allowed the Mavericks to pull away from the Rockets. Once again though, his lack of trips to the free throw line is a major area of concern.

vs.

Richard Jefferson: Scoring wise Jefferson is off to his worst start since his sop re season in the league. With the Spurs missing Duncan and Parker the bulk of the Spurs scoring will be left upon the shoulders of Jefferson and Ginobili tonight. Look for the Spurs to try to get Jefferson involved early and often.

Edge: Even. As good as Jefferson can be offensively the defensive prowess of Marion is that good as well.

Power Forward

Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk continues to struggle from the field, but he well makes up for it by getting to the line, and it is his energy that is keeping him and the team in games. Dirk has been somewhat quiet since his 29 point 4th quarter explosion, tonight could be the night that he flips the switch again.

vs.

Tim Duncan Antonio McDyess: While I have McDyess listed as the starter replacing Duncan do not be surprised if the rookie DeJuan Blair gets the nod. It is all going to depend on how Pop decides he wants to attack the Mavs. If he decides (and I think he will) to slow the pace down and turn the game into a half court beat and bang affair, the rookie will see a lot of action.

Edge: Mavericks. There are not many times the edge will not go to the Mavs as long as Dirk is here.

Center

Erick Dampier: It is amazing what a contract year will do for a player's ability. Suddenly Dampier is playing like he did in his final year in Golden State.

vs.

Matt Bonner: This guy is just not good, never has been and never will be. How is it possible for a center in the NBA over a six year career to average only 3 rebounds a game?

Edge: Mavericks. Not even close (did I just say, that the Mavs had the edge at center and it is not even close? I got to stop drinking so much)

Injuries/Suspensions

San Antonio Spurs

OUT - Tony Parker- Sprained ankle Tim Duncan- Sprained ankle

Dallas Mavericks

OUT - Tim Thomas- Recovering from knee surgery

Prediction: No Tim Duncan + No Tony Parker = No chance for the Spurs

Mavericks- 104

Spurs- 89

[Findog]

http://www.dallasbasketball.com/fullColumn.php?id=2222



The early word from San Antonio: The Spurs are getting old.
Oh, I’m just kidding … though The 75-Member Staff is commemorating the “doubtful’’ status of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker for tonight’s Mavs-at-Ugly-Ass RiverCity duel with an updating of the Spurs logo.
Click in for the new logo and for the injury update:




Like the Mavs, the Spurs have five All-Star nominees. Two of those are perennial stars Duncan and Parker. But neither played in Monday’s win over Toronto and neither participated in San Antonio’s practice on Tuesday.
Both players have ankle injuries. The Spurs' starting lineup without Timmy and Tony included George Hill at the point, Keith Bogans at the 2, Michael Finley at the 3, Richard Jefferson at the 4 and Theo Ratliff at center … but notably, with Manu Ginobili coming off the bench as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

[Findog]

So, uh, why did they call him "Ice?"

[Findog]

Nevermind, I think I may know the answer:

[Muser]

The Spurs have this guy called Ginobili, funny how he wasn't put in any of the matchups in the first post.

[Findog]

[Findog]

The Spurs have this guy called Ginobili, funny how he wasn't put in any of the matchups in the first post.

You mean this guy?

[Findog]

Ah yeah :

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[Muser]

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It looks like the Spurs led the league in afros back in the seventies:

[Findog]

"That night we shared in Cabo was pure magic, baby."

"Don't ever change baby."

"When I look into your eyes I can see forever."

"We've only just begun."

"I want you inside me."

That moment in the movies right before they start to kiss.

[Findog]

Palms up Spurs fans!

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[Culburn369]

Exquisite.

[Findog]

Exquisite.

Roy Tarpley's career was a tragic majesty.

[Culburn369]

Accurate appraisal, Fin.