Spurs Going Small

[TJastal]

The Warriors had a relatively small team of really fast athletic guys who could rebound and block (They led the league in blocks that year IIRC). Putting four crappy guards and an undersized center out there is exactly what Pop did when the Mavs jumped out to the biggest lead of the game early in the 4th quarter.

That might have worked a few years ago, but not now when the mavs always have at least one tough 7 footer on the floor at all times who can crash the boards and make a team pay for going small.

[elec99]

If you look at the stats, we actually took and made more shots then they did. We just kept sending them to the line. Make them make their shots (jumpshots, no drives). If they can do that, then they deserve to win.

[Old School 44]

Surprised they didn't do this. Jefferson could get his game going if Dirk had to defend him on the perimeter. Making Dirk work on defense is the best way to take his rhythm away given the defenders you have. Mcdyess and Bonner don't make Dirk work hard on either end.

I don't think the Spurs should go small. Dirk's going to get his, just stop or contain everyone else, particularly Kidd. Somebody suggested playing Mahinmi on Dirk, which isn't a bad idea. Not because I think Mahinmi is going to stop him or even do any better than Bonner, but I think you play Mahinmi because he's expendable on offense. I just want him to shadow Dirk, don't play him so close he's going to foul out in 6 minutes. I'd pressure Kidd with Hill (if healthy), Bogans, Temple...make him work.

With Bonner expending so much energy defending Dirk, it just kills his overall confidence and his offense (three point shooting), same for McDyess and Jefferson.

[Obstructed_View]

That might have worked a few years ago, but not now when the mavs always have at least one tough 7 footer on the floor at all times who can crash the boards and make a team pay for going small.

The point is that the Warriors had guys that were playing their natural position. Putting Keith Bogans as your power forward next to DeJuan Blair is even stupider than having Michael Finley as your power forward next to Robert Horry, and the latter failed quite convincingly in '06.

[z0sa]

The point is that the Warriors had guys that were playing their natural position. Putting Keith Bogans as your power forward next to DeJuan Blair is even stupider than having Michael Finley as your power forward next to Robert Horry, and the latter failed quite convincingly in '06.

Putting Keith Bogans as PF is always the stupidest move available.

[wildbill2u]

Surprised they didn't do this. Jefferson could get his game going if Dirk had to defend him on the perimeter. Making Dirk work on defense is the best way to take his rhythm away given the defenders you have. Mcdyess and Bonner don't make Dirk work hard on either end.

Why would you bother to defend him on the perimeter?

[Xevious]

The point is that the Warriors had guys that were playing their natural position. Putting Keith Bogans as your power forward next to DeJuan Blair is even stupider than having Michael Finley as your power forward next to Robert Horry, and the latter failed quite convincingly in '06.

Nobody suggested putting Bogans in as PF and Blair as C. That's a doomed lineup. Smallball would only work with Duncan in the middle and Jefferson at PF. And RJ can't stand on the perimeter shooting jumpers... if he isn't driving to the basket and moving on offense to make Dirk work, there's no point.

[Obstructed_View]

So the suggestion is to put in a small lineup when the Mavs' first unit is on the floor, and having Richard Jefferson guard Dirk because Duncan will foul out in five minutes against Dirk.

Um...whut?

[Mark in Austin]

Warriors 2007 not enough proof that small ball does work against the mavs?

Actually, it was the Mavs that went small against the Warriors. Warriors didn't change what they did all year.

[sefant77]

Warriors 2007 not enough proof that small ball does work against the mavs?

And its 2007 anymore, Dirk is much better against double teams, specially his passing and if he pass out of the double team its not to Harris who has no idea what to do with the ball, the ball goes back to Kidd...

[Bob Lanier]

Yeah, the Pistons tried that strategy in Game 7 of the 2005 Finals after Dice picked up his fourth foul.

Tayshaun Prince at power forward.

Duncan goes ape on a couple of switches.

Lead vanishes.

Spurs win.

Dice finishes game with 4 fouls.

SMALLBALL NEVER WORKS.

[senorglory]

And its 2007 anymore, Dirk is much better against double teams, specially his passing and if he pass out of the double team its not to Harris who has no idea what to do with the ball, the ball goes back to Kidd...

good point.