DMN's Colishaw: Spurs, others have "no chance" of beating Mavs or Suns in playoffs

[ponky]

stop getting all riled up by a stupid article. it's a dallas media outlet, of course they're going to homer on the mavs, dang. anyway, wasn't cowlishaw the guy that avery snapped at last season during the playoffs? he's good for some laughs

[FromWayDowntown]

I honestly couldn't care less what some sportswriter thinks about the Spurs chances, because what he thinks has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with whether the Spurs will win or not. I do think that the Mavericks will face immense pressure from those closest to them come playoff time, but I suspect that they've been dealing with that to some extent for most of the last year. Even so, Tim Cowlishaw could write that the Mavericks will win this year's le every day from now until the end of the regular season and it won't negate the fact that, like every other team that qualifies for the playoffs, they'll have to win 16 games to get that done.

As for who holds what chances to win, I'll keep my own counsel about that. If Cowlishaw wrote tomorrow that he thinks the Raptors are the odds on favorites to win the le, it doesn't mean that Toronto should be dusting off those championship parade plans they used for the Blue Jays in 1993.

[Kent_in_Atlanta]

That was really a stupid thing to say by Colishaw. The spurs definitely have a shot at beating both the mavs and suns. Maybe not a great shot but it is possible.

Yes, they do have a great shot. I'm not predicting that the Spurs will beat the Mavs, but here's what people need to realize (particularly if they're planning to participate in any NBA office pools).

There have been many great NBA championship teams that laid low through most of the regular season. The Spurs are a veteran team that's been in the championship picture every year for a while now, and they know that the regular season really doesn't amount to much. Numerous NBA insiders (not the sports writers, but coaches, players, etc.) have been insisting for most of the season up till a few weeks ago that the Spurs were going through the motions until it's time to tune-up for the playoffs. Hard to argue with that now.

The fact of the matter is that the Spurs are playing at a championship level now, just like the Suns and especially the Mavs. December and January don't amount horse $#&#$ at this point.

Anyone who doesn't think the Spurs are as legit a le contender as there is in the NBA right now, hasn't been paying attention or they're just believing what they want to believe.

[phyzik]

And I learned my lesson (again) this year about how being written off so early by so many people affects a team. A lot of writers may not come out and say it, but the general feel is that the Mavs are an unstoppable juggernaut this year, and are practically impossible to stop come playoffs, if healthy.

Now, I realize that some analysts are saying the Spurs have a legit shot. Some even favor them due to more experience. But you just need to take one look at the Chicago Bears (and the Colts) from this past season to see what a team can do with a chip on it's shoulder.

Coming into the playoffs, neither team was expected to do much other than maybe win a playoff game or two and go home in the conference le game.

The Bears in particular were media underdogs, and every single ESPN analyst picked the Saints to beat them. Some went so far as to say there is "no way the Bears can beat this Saints team."

They were right. The Bears didn't beat them. They annihilated them, causing fumbles and offensive miscues all over the field with their defense. In much the same way, the Colts won, won, and then after being down early, came back to dominate the second half against the Patriots and win a Super Bowl.

Personally, I love being written off. I want our players to step into the series vs. the Mavs with the entire media saying it's going to be a 5 game laugher of a series for Dallas. I want Duncan and Parker to walk onto the court and just stare down the Mavs players. Then I want to see a series of the most physical, most overpowering, most pissed off Spurs basketball in our 30 years of existence as a franchise. I want to walk into game 1 and completely dismantle the Mavs.

Will it happen? Dunno. But I know that when a bunch of people tell a great team, "See that team over there? That's Goliath. You have no chance of beating him." Players like Tim Duncan often simply nod in agreement... and reach for a slingshot.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

wasn't cowlishaw the guy that avery snapped at last season during the playoffs?

No. His name was ed or fred.

[Agloco]

If that happens. You can't just cherry pick quotes to justify your argument. I said that the media was biased, but not just Dallas'. So what if a homer wants to write an article singing the praises of a team that has won 15 in a row after winning 13 and 12 straight and after going 50-5. So what do you think he should say; "The mavericks, who are breaking all kinds of team records, is so so and they should just go ahead and pack their bags come playoff time."
And trashing a team who plays solid every night is a hard thing to do. And almost any fan in Dallas will tell you that the Mavs blew their chance last year. They blamed the Mavs for sucking it up, not the refs, not even the Heat, which I dont think is entirely fair.
As for DWade getting hurt, it has nothing to do with the injury, it has everything to do with the wheelchair/shoulder display. It sucks when anyone gets hurt on any team, but tell me you wouldnt think it was a little ridiculous if Duncan, the cornerstone to your team, would be wheeled off after a SHOULDER injury. Im not convinced he wouldnt keep playing in spite of being hurt.

You obviosuly haven't tried to walk after dislocating a sholder...........

Trust me, everytime you make any sort of movement it feels like your arm is being ripped out. Not fun.

The wheelchair was to help with immobilization as much as possible. It was hardly drama-queen material........

[supaphly119]

spurs starters are averaging less and less minutes and the mavs are getting more and more...it doesn't matter if you win all 82 games. the playoffs are an entirely different animal and i don't care who you are, if you play 90+ nba games you get tired.

[Mavs are Champs]

You obviosuly haven't tried to walk after dislocating a sholder...........

Trust me, everytime you make any sort of movement it feels like your arm is being ripped out. Not fun.

The wheelchair was to help with immobilization as much as possible. It was hardly drama-queen material........

where as odom's wheelchair. And yeah I tore my rotator cuff while playing baseball, also broke my wrist, both on the same play. Didnt need the wheelchair.

[CubanMustGo]

where as odom's wheelchair. And yeah I tore my rotator cuff while playing baseball, also broke my wrist, both on the same play. Didnt need the wheelchair.

You weren't a multi-million dollar investment and the franchise's future, either.

[Mavs are Champs]

You weren't a multi-million dollar investment and the franchise's future, either.

true, but odom is, and I didnt see a wheelchair/stretcher combo when he got hurt

...and the only reason i pointed out my injury was because it was assumed that I knew nothing about shoulder injuries.

[Mavs are Champs]

true, but odom is, and I didnt see a wheelchair/stretcher combo when he got hurt

...and the only reason i pointed out my injury was because it was assumed that I knew nothing about shoulder injuries.

referring to the $ investment, not the franchise part,, although I do think the lakers are in a world of hurt with him gone

[mavs>spurs2]

Ehh...i'd say the spurs CAN beat the mavs or suns but I don't THINK it will happen.

[phyzik]

I agree with Mavs fans that Wade is a punk... Fall down 7 times get up 8 my ass.... I've broken my collar bone playing football, 2 fingers when a car battery fell on my hand, been shot in the chest by my best friend on accident puncturing my lung when I was 13 and had to have a chest tube put in, broke my leg at a system of a down concert and shoved my way to the sound booth in the mash pit - took some asprin to stay for the concert - then proceeded to drive myself to the Methodist Hospital, had my skin scraped off in the hospital with a ing brillo pad after I burned the out of it (THAT ing brought tears to my eyes).

I dont care how much money he makes, he's a pussy.
















Mav fans are still gay though and cant wait for the playoffs when we have to put down the lame ass horse after it chokes.

[mavs>spurs2]

I agree with Mavs fans that Wade is a punk... Fall down 7 times get up 8 my ass.... I've broken my collar bone playing football, 2 fingers when a car battery fell on my hand, been shot in the chest by my best friend on accident puncturing my lung when I was 13 and had to have a chest tube put in, broke my leg at a system of a down concert and shoved my way to the sound booth in the mash pit - took some asprin to stay for the concert - then proceeded to drive myself to the Methodist Hospital, had my skin scraped off in the hospital with a ing brillo pad after I burned the out of it (THAT ing brought tears to my eyes).

I dont care how much money he makes, he's a pussy.
















Mav fans are still gay though and cant wait for the playoffs when we have to put down the lame ass horse after it chokes.

Wow sounds like you've had a rough time lol

[Mavs are Champs]

I agree with Mavs fans that Wade is a punk... Fall down 7 times get up 8 my ass.... I've broken my collar bone playing football, 2 fingers when a car battery fell on my hand, been shot in the chest by my best friend on accident puncturing my lung when I was 13 and had to have a chest tube put in, broke my leg at a system of a down concert and shoved my way to the sound booth in the mash pit - took some asprin to stay for the concert - then proceeded to drive myself to the Methodist Hospital, had my skin scraped off in the hospital with a ing brillo pad after I burned the out of it (THAT ing brought tears to my eyes).

I dont care how much money he makes, he's a pussy.














Mav fans are still gay though and cant wait for the playoffs when we have to put down the lame ass horse after it chokes.

lemme guess, your name is "Lucky" right?

[mardigan]

Yea, I shattered 2 discs in my lower spine playing basketball, and drove myself to the hospital crying like a , but I didnt need a wheelchair, but I guess I can understand why the franchise didnt want to take a chance. Wade is a baller, but yea maybe a little pussy-ish

[mikekim]

As of right now I am assuming that Phoenix is going to be playing San Antonio. I don't envy the trip San Antonio has to make this Post Season to get to the WCF, Same one, pretty much, that the Mavs had to make last year, going through a so so team (Lakers w/o Odom), then all of a sudden having to play a completely different type of team (run and gun, to with defense, Suns), THEN, if you win both of those games, play in the WCF against the Mavs ( yet again a different style of bball). Should be a stressful run for Spurs fans. I hope they make it,so we can see that Mavs-Spurs matchup

You got it right...it will be tough...very tough...

But what you said does sound very familiar (but not for the Mavs run last year, although I could definitely see that). In fact, it sounds eerily like the 2005 playoff run for the Spurs. That was when they had to face the thugs of Denver (yet they were a pretty damn good number 7 seed... and went into playoffs with some momentum if I remember correctly) and the thugs of Seattle (a bit more disrespectful...remember jerome james' "I give them no respect" comment?). Then the Spurs had to out-potentize the potent offense of the Suns, in a quick 5 games with high scoring I might add (except they forgot to out-potent amare...). THEN they had to finish it off against what many called their mirror-image, the mighty Detroit Pistons...

And we have to remember that run was with a hurt and limited Tim Duncan (although it was also with an insane Manu). But yes, I do think this year, the road might actually be a bit more difficult for the Spurs (MIGHT...that '05 didn't really seem like a walk in the park)...dallas and phoenix have improved (not to mention, Houston with Yao back should start looking much more dangerous pretty soon), Spurs are older of course, and they have looked a step behind for much of the season (although they're starting to get it together).

But assuming that Tim will remain 100% healthy and dominant, Parker recovers fully and quickly from his hip setback (which I think the Spurs are handling with a "better safe than sorry" approach anyways), and Manu's great regular season translates into an even greater '07 Playoff Manu (or I'll even take this year's regular-season Manu), with a focused and productive bench (mainly Elson, Barry, and Finley annnnd I guess some 3's from Rob won't hurt)...I think the Spurs will have to be considered one of the main contenders for the le along with the Mavs, Suns, and Pistons (I really don't want to make the mistake of ignoring the Pistons, like everyone did in '04). Now, keep in mind that much of these conditions have already been met or are currently, as we speak, in the process of being met.

Yeah...I don't know what this sportswriter in Dallas is thinking...I would be a bit annoyed if Buck Harvey or Johnny Ludden said something like that...although I have to confess, I haven't been reading as much of their articles since I've moved out here to LA, so I don't know if they have said anything that comes near to this level of stupidity...but I would doubt that they have.

"absolutely no shot"...yeah...sure, buddy...

[phyzik]

lemme guess, your name is "Lucky" right?

I was just a crazy kid, Im 27 come Saturday so its not like its been in a short time frame, and the last injury I had was the Brilo pad when I was 17... was high on something and my car was overheating, decided to put water in it and didnt the let engine cool down.

I'll spare the gory details but I ran inside the gas station and put my hand in the beer cooler, the cashier was telling me to get my hand out and I said some to him that would have made satan himself blush

[Mavs are Champs]

Yea, I shattered 2 discs in my lower spine playing basketball, and drove myself to the hospital crying like a , but I didnt need a wheelchair, but I guess I can understand why the franchise didnt want to take a chance. Wade is a baller, but yea maybe a little pussy-ish

He is for sure a baller, it just seems like everything is one big commercial opp. for him. The huge press conference today stressing that hes going to be back; When I saw that play I knew I would be listening to him "getting back up" to help his team. Im not saying that he faked the injury or anything, I just think he gets a little overdramatic and trys to capatilize on this whole " Im a warrior" thing.
I guess whatever works though, but im not buying into the whole "I fall down, but before I do, I hand over my keys to a Nav, get back up, ride a bike while listening to two heads talking to me on my shoulders, both of them asking me if Barkley wants me in his top five" thing.

[Mavs are Champs]

You got it right...it will be tough...very tough...

But what you said does sound very familiar (but not for the Mavs run last year, although I could definitely see that). In fact, it sounds eerily like the 2005 playoff run for the Spurs. That was when they had to face the thugs of Denver (yet they were a pretty damn good number 7 seed... and went into playoffs with some momentum if I remember correctly) and the thugs of Seattle (a bit more disrespectful...remember jerome james' "I give them no respect" comment?). Then the Spurs had to out-potentize the potent offense of the Suns, in a quick 5 games with high scoring I might add (except they forgot to out-potent amare...). THEN they had to finish it off against what many called their mirror-image, the mighty Detroit Pistons...

And we have to remember that run was with a hurt and limited Tim Duncan (although it was also with an insane Manu). But yes, I do think this year, the road might actually be a bit more difficult for the Spurs (MIGHT...that '05 didn't really seem like a walk in the park)...dallas and phoenix have improved (not to mention, Houston with Yao back should start looking much more dangerous pretty soon), Spurs are older of course, and they have looked a step behind for much of the season (although they're starting to get it together).

But assuming that Tim will remain 100% healthy and dominant, Parker recovers fully and quickly from his hip setback (which I think the Spurs are handling with a "better safe than sorry" approach anyways), and Manu's great regular season translates into an even greater '07 Playoff Manu (or I'll even take this year's regular-season Manu), with a focused and productive bench (mainly Elson, Barry, and Finley annnnd I guess some 3's from Rob won't hurt)...I think the Spurs will have to be considered one of the main contenders for the le along with the Mavs, Suns, and Pistons (I really don't want to make the mistake of ignoring the Pistons, like everyone did in '04). Now, keep in mind that much of these conditions have already been met or are currently, as we speak, in the process of being met.

Yeah...I don't know what this sportswriter in Dallas is thinking...I would be a bit annoyed if Buck Harvey or Johnny Ludden said something like that...although I have to confess, I haven't been reading as much of their articles since I've moved out here to LA, so I don't know if they have said anything that comes near to this level of stupidity...but I would doubt that they have.

"absolutely no shot"...yeah...sure, buddy...

Yeah I think that Houston may be the dark horse that Mavs, Spurs, and Suns fans are over looking. The Mavs only solace is that they will get to play either Utah or Houston AFTER they beat one another up. Its no shoe-in for anyone in the West this year..

[Obstructed_View]

I disagree. I think Utah is going to be the team someone's going to end up wishing they hadn't drawn.

[Mavs are Champs]

I disagree. I think Utah is going to be the team someone's going to end up wishing they hadn't drawn.

I could agree with that depending on the whole Boozer vs. Yao health thing. Both have good coaches, Utah has a better overall team, but Houston has TMac and Yao. I think that is going to be a badass first round series. I think both teams are being overlooked right now, being shadowed by the Mavs,Suns,Spurs Trio. While i am saying this cautiously, I also think that they are being overlooked by those three with good reason, they arent in the same league. That being said, I don't think the Mavs will over look them at all, they seem pretty focused right now and Avery is too good to let that happen.

[Obstructed_View]

I could agree with that depending on the whole Boozer vs. Yao health thing. Both have good coaches, Utah has a better overall team, but Houston has TMac and Yao. I think that is going to be a badass first round series. I think both teams are being overlooked right now, being shadowed by the Mavs,Suns,Spurs Trio. While i am saying this cautiously, I also think that they are being overlooked by those three with good reason, they arent in the same league. That being said, I don't think the Mavs will over look them at all, they seem pretty focused right now and Avery is too good to let that happen.

If everyone is healthy on both teams, Utah has the better talent and plays much more disciplined basketball. Houston will never beat you with execution.

[Mavs are Champs]

If everyone is healthy on both teams, Utah has the better talent and plays much more disciplined basketball. Houston will never beat you with execution.

True, but TMac is one of the scariest guys to play against. That being said it is a seven game series, and Dirk can, and usually does go point for point with him when they play each other.

Utah is tough for sure! Again, I dont think that after the first round, the playoffs are a lock for anyone.

[Obstructed_View]

True, but TMac is one of the scariest guys to play against.

You think I, as a Spurs fan, don't know that? Seriously, when I was at the game in Houston in February, I was very, very impressed with him as a basketball talent. That talent, on that team, with that coach, will win a game or two, not a series.

I dont think that after the first round, the playoffs are a lock for anyone.

After last year's playoffs, I'll buy that.