Mavericks Prepare For Spurs' Adjustments

[duncan228]

Dallas Mavericks prepare for Spurs' adjustments
By Eddie Sefco / The Dallas Morning News

SAN ANTONIO – In theory, the way Dirk Nowitzki's teammates stepped up and became the story in Game 1 should work to his advantage tonight.

The inevitable chess match begins in earnest tonight as the San Antonio Spurs try to figure out how to keep Nowitzki and Jason Terry relatively quiet without letting J.J. Barea and Brandon Bass beat them.

"I'm sure they'll do some adjustments," Nowitzki said. "You can't just watch Barea walk down the lane five or six times in the fourth quarter. I don't think that's going to happen."

The Spurs, to some extent, are in a bind. They were successful in not allowing Nowitzki and Terry go off. But their defensive strategy backfired because all the other Mavericks played so well.

Barea was the catalyst. He turned the corner on pick-and-roll plays and spent the fourth quarter fooling the Spurs' big men in the paint.

"We just have stay in front of him," Michael Finley said. "It's easier said than done, but we just have to find a way to make him have to make tough shots. If he makes those tough shots, then you just have to tap him on the back and say, 'Good shot.' "

No matter what the Spurs do, Nowitzki said, the Mavericks are prepared to take whatever they are given on the offensive end.

"[Gregg] Popovich is one of the greatest coaches of all time," he said. "We'll see what they throw at us. Pop is very creative, and defensively, they have a wide arsenal. Hopefully, me and Jet can just play our games.

"If it's not there, it doesn't make sense to force bad shots if your teammate has a better play. We did a good job trusting our teammates and moving the ball."

Kidd feeling better: Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd was fighting a nasty stomach problem during Game 1 Saturday night and was told to stay at the hotel and rest rather than attend the light practice Sunday afternoon.

By Sunday evening, Kidd was improving, team officials said. He is expected to be at the shootaround this morning and play in Game 2.

Kidd actually vomited while on the bench in the opener. He had been nauseated since Saturday morning, leaving shootaround in a hurry to get to the nearest bathroom.

The Howard factor: Popovich said he thought Josh Howard's 25 points were crucial in the opener.

[LEONARD]

the howard factor: popovich said he thought josh howard's 25 points were crucial in the opener.

hot

sports

opinions!!

[z0sa]

The Howard factor: Popovich said he thought Josh Howard's 25 points were crucial in the opener.

Then why the did you leave Finley on him when he continued to rain open jumpshots - because it was part of the gameplan to leave him open even after he rains 3 straight jumpers including a 3?

Why didn't you change the gameplan to "we have to put a hand in his face now" you ing moron.