Second wind
Mavs may be refreshed, but Spurs are hungry after Game 1
Posted: Wednesday May 21, 2003 4:07 AM
Updated: Wednesday May 21, 2003 4:08 AM
So much for the fatigue factor.
The Mavs, expected to be tired after needing seven games to dispatch the Kings in the Western Conference semifinals, didn't look too winded while storming back against the Spurs on Monday to take Game 1 of the Western finals.
Indeed, Dallas is downright energized these days, perhaps because it is starting to feel like a team of destiny. First, the Mavs get a banged-up Blazers team with Scottie Pippen ailing and Derek Anderson out. Then Kings star Chris Webber goes down with an injury in the second round.
Finally, they get a tight whistle against the Spurs in Game 1 of the conference finals, helping them steal a win in San Antonio.
With so many great shooters, the Mavs are never out of a game. Meanwhile, the Spurs have shown a tendency to collapse down the stretch. It’s a combination that could make for a long and entertaining series the rest of the way, one that leaves both teams drained at the end.
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Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs
9:30 p.m. ET
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| Series Snapshot |
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| Game 1 |
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110 |
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113 |
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The past ... In one of the most remarkable displays in NBA playoff history, the Mavs hit 49-of-50 free throws to rally for a 113-110 victory in Game 1 and steal home-court advantage. Led by its Big Three, Dallas overcame an 18-point first-half deficit to get back in the game then outscored San Antonio 26-9 over the final 8:05 to steal it. The Mavs had no answer for Tim Duncan, who tied a playoff career high with 40 points (on 14-of-20 shooting) and 15 rebounds. But a Mavs zone defense and foul trouble slowed him in the second half, and he missed a key shot and two free throws down the stretch. The Spurs as a team missed 17-of-48 free throws, making the difference on a night when the Mavs literally couldn’t miss.
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Tim Duncan
AP |
The present ... The Spurs are angry after giving away a game they probably should have won. In addition to the missed free throws, they realize they took too many bad shots down the stretch. Look for the Spurs to pump it in to Duncan, and hope the officials give him the benefit this time around. The Mavs will continue to throw different looks at Duncan to keep him off balance, so Tony Parker, Bruce Bowen and Stephen Jackson must knock down open shots. San Antonio also must do a better job on the boards. The Mavs outrebounded the Spurs 46-37 in Game 1, partly because Malik Rose got in foul trouble and then left the game with a back stinger. Rose is expected to play in Game 2.
The future ... The Spurs have bounced back well this season after blowing big leads in playoff losses. Plus, there is no way Dallas goes to the line 50 times again. San Antonio should win this one comfortably to even the series.
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