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I'll just throw in the broken record reply, same thing I pointed out after game 2:
Manu is playing acious man to man D on Butler. He had him so thoroughly dominated defensively last night that Carlisle put him on the bench the second half.
Great thoughts all around and most, if not all, has been covered. But there's a little bit I'd like to touch on.
Two things I really liked defensively:
Discouragement of the Nowtizki entry - The Spurs had their guards (namely George and Tony) putting doubt and hesitancy in the mind of the passer by cheating over and threatening to shoot the gap and steal or deflect the pass -- often ending with a couple seconds more elapsed on the shot clock, the disruption of the play or timing, or an altogether changing of the attack, as they were forced to try another option not named Nowitzki.
3-point Close-outs - The Spurs were scrambling and switching extremely well for a good chunk of the game and their close-outs on Kidd were crucial. Hill's been a godsend in this matchup (against all of the Mavs smalls) but whomever's been charged with making the closeout, they've been doing an admirable job as of late -- Kidd's tempo on his shot and release have been altered and the results have shown.
A few things that stood out individually:
Man on fire: Manu's energy and frenetic pace to start the game was unreal. It's one thing to get hot as a shooter but the guy caught fire as a flyswatter -- Miyagi's chopsticks ain't got nothing on that dude. He was simply deflecting, disrupting or deterring anything in his vicinity -- which was the AT&T Center. Simply unreal and entertaining as .
Not a freight train: Tim and 'Dyess' athleticism and purpose has been a sight for sore eyes. Tim's had some of the best looking post moves and drives he's had in years over the first three games and 'Dyess has displayed some springs and quickness out on the perimeter (most notably staying with Dirk, getting into him and contesting the shot) that he's displaying really for the first time in a Spurs uniform -- he's allowed Pop to stay big and, like Hill, has been a godsend in this matchup. It's amazing what the light at the end of the tunnel can do for a couple of aging vets and their athleticism -- nothing like a little urgency.
Manu on, Tony off: The obvious thing for most to point out is the change in role, Tony now being "Manu jr.". But it's not just in where they start but in how they play. There was a little bit of an adjustment and some cause for concern with a little bit of what we saw over the first couple of games, but they look to be figuring it out. See, Manu's on the ball much more throughout the game (as apposed to just more during crunch time with Tony) and that presents a bit of a spacing problem with Tony off the ball -- Tony's lack of a 3-point shot gives the defender a couple of extra steps to clutter the lane for Manu and the high pick-and-roll (it's especially difficult at times when it involves Tim and they're on the same side of the floor), which can lead to defelctions, turnovers or just bad possessions. Plus, Tony is just a flat out better player on the ball -- his skill set is not one of a spot-up shooter. But give credit to Tony. The guy's making chicken salad and getting it done -- in the clutch. He's stepping up (or, perhaps, in, would be more appropriate) and knocking those shots out. The ability of the Big 3 to find a way to mesh and find their collective rhythm under the cir stance, and in such a quick fashion, has been remarkable -- Tony and Manu deserve the bulk of the credit.
All-in-all, just a really good win and a great time to be a Spurs fan. The series is far from over but given how this season's played out and all the hurdles that have been put in front of this team ... it's hard to complain (downright impossible, really) with what they've been able to accomplish thus far.
I said if they were to win, it'd be in 6 -- The first three's outcome have gone to plan and if it keeps playing out the way I thought, the Spurs will have to win Games 5 and 6 to get it done. (But I'd be more than content with a Game 4 win)
I said there'd be a bit of poetic justice for the Spurs to win this thing in 7 and on the Mavs' homecourt, but too be honest ... I couldn't care less -- poets are overrated.
Let's get it done, as soon as possible, Spurs.
I'll just throw in the broken record reply, same thing I pointed out after game 2:
Manu is playing acious man to man D on Butler. He had him so thoroughly dominated defensively last night that Carlisle put him on the bench the second half.
"Jefferson ... does well posting up"
He has no post-up game.
"Jefferson ... does well posting up"
He has no post-up game.
what the two wins have shown is that it will be imperative for at least one of Hill or RJ to be in the 14 - 16 point range for the Spurs to win (to go along with the typical play by the big 3 that we've come to expect, of course). if RJ isn't being effective (and i think it was more nobody involving him than him not involving himself), i'd like to see Pop go with Hill. i'm not sure if a TP/Hill/Manu backcourt can work against some lineups, because it's pretty small, so that might be an issue in the future if they try to employ it.
Great game. Is it just me or does Dirk's eyes glaze over every time he sees Bonner take the floor?
At the end of the fourth Hill was a blanket on Terry he was on him like white on rice!
Dice played another great game but at the end of the fourth quarter you could tell he was tired by not getting after some loose balls.
I think the Spurs need to get RJ some touches early because when he scores a few baskets early it sets the tone for him the whole game.
Manu was freakin the man!
I live in Dallas, you should hear all the ing and moaning up here. Anyway, Sunday's game is the key. If the Spurs can win that one, this series is essentially over, the Mavs will roll over. No way that they could win three straight. Ok Spurs, lets hammer em.
There's a lot of talk here in Dallas about the three guard look the Mavs trotted out last night. I think Hill/TP/Manu would be a good counter by Pop.
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