Initial Reaction: Spurs vs. Mavs - Game 2

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I find Haywood completely neutralizes Blair. Haywood's length really bothers Blair, so that'll be interesting to keep an eye on moving forward.

But the thing is Blair tore him and Dampier up in that last regular season game.

I think last night was more about nerves. Duncan said something to him when TD went out with two fouls and Blair came in. Blair was pressing after that, wonder if Tim told him to go put up another 20-20 game or something like that...

Think we'll see him settle down though.

[nkdlunch]

-Antonio McDyess was perhaps the Most Valuable Player for the Spurs. His defense on Nowitzki was fantastic, holding the former NBA MVP to 9-for-24 shooting. When he wasn't defending Nowitzki, McDyess was crashing the glass on both ends. He finished with nine boards (five offensive) and the team's only blocked shot. If McDyess can keep making Nowitzki work without fouling him, he'll be worth every penny the Spurs paid him this summer to coax him out of Detroit.

RJ blocked Butler early in the game. Just saying because that probably was the best block of RJ's season.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Caron Butler was hesitant all night. He passed up wide open corner threes on multiple occassions and dribbled into more contested, albeit, closer mid range jumpers. If he knocks one or two down from the corner, that could have been a game changer.

Lost in everything last night was Manu's individual D on Butler. Manu likes to gamble but last night he was channeling Bowen in his m2m defense of Caron.

[santymrc]

Steven Gerrard is probably the best english player to play the game right now..

No wonder you supported a ed-up team like Mavs..

One word. Rooney.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

But the thing is Blair tore him and Dampier up in that last regular season game.

I think last night was more about nerves. Duncan said something to him when TD went out with two fouls and Blair came in. Blair was pressing after that, wonder if Tim told him to go put up another 20-20 game or something like that...

Think we'll see him settle down though.

That's a good point. While I'm not expecting another 20+ ppg and rpg performance against the Mavs from Blair, I would love to see him challenge Bonner for more reserve minutes.

[santymrc]

That's a good point. While I'm not expecting another 20+ ppg and rpg performance against the Mavs from Blair, I would love to see him challenge Bonner for more reserve minutes.

If that happens, then Blair fouls out in 3 min. He can't play D on Dirk.

[Bruno]

Nice write up.

This series is now a best of 5 ones with Spurs having HCA. HCA in a 5 games series is nice but Mavs are damn good and are the best road team in the league.

[roycrikside]

Here's my question:

Do the Spurs have the stamina to survive a series where from here on out it's a game every other day, with basically a 7-man rotation?

Blair and Mason are getting spot minutes, mostly in the second quarter, but that's about it. Really, in the second half it was almost a six man rotation. Bonner got a quick hook, right?

I think we look awfully shaky whenever Tim isn't on the floor and that Pop has to do what he can to ensure he or Manu is on the floor at all times.

[OldSilentHill]

Can someone explain this expression to me?

Let me complete: could be also a reference to a famous videogame.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great read timvp

Let's hope RJ and Dice can keep the good play and Hill keep improving

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Nice recap, LJ.

I was working and had to watch the replay, but oh what a game! Standouts for mine were RJ (this is the guy we envisioned when he was traded for), Playoff Dice (looked like 2005 all over again), the Big 3 all did their thing (welcome back TP!), and even Geoerge, who was quiet statistically, came up big when he got the opportunity.

Viva la Spurs!!!

On to game 3.

[bugmenot]

TIMVP this wasn't one of your better efforts. I expect moar.