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Commentary, news, analysis and reader-driven discussions focusing on this year's NBA playoffs.
If that's the case, well, the Spurs and Mavericks should settle in. The question is, Which team should be more concerned? Or are both just fine, and there's no reason to read too much into the opener of a seven-game series? For San Antonio, early-postseason hiccups like Sunday's home loss to Denver are nothing new during the Tim Duncan era. Most recently, the Spurs were tested in last season's first round before dispatching Sacramento in six games. And two years ago they squandered home court advantage in Game 1 against the Nuggets, only to storm back and win four in a row en route to an NBA title. This Denver team, of course, is a different club, one that doesn't figure to be satisfied just winning a game in San Antonio, not with its core talent and not after having won 10 of its last 11 regular-season games as it fought just to make the postseason. Like the Nuggets, the Warriors caught fire down the stretch (9-1 finish) to seal the franchise's long-anticipated postseason berth, and now a playing-with-house-money group coach Don Nelson affectionately calls "a bunch of Schmoes" has, for one game, duplicated its regular-season success against the Mavs (Nellie is 4-0 in 2006-07 against the team he coached for eight seasons). Count on an onslaught of stories between now and Wednesday's Game 2 about the Mavs' "adjustments," after coach Avery Johnson seemed to outsmart himself with a small-ball lineup -- the Mavs are the ones tweaking rotations following a 67-win regular season? -- and Dirk Nowitzki hit 4-of-16 while looking confused against the Warriors' surprisingly stout defense. So what do you think? What do you make of Game 1 stumbles from San Antonio and Dallas?
posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:The question for the Spurs/Nuggets series is game two: If Denver can be competitive in the second game, then they have a shot. If the Spurs lay it down, then they lose all of the momentum. Personally, I thought San Antonio did look old on Sunday, and for the first time in A LONG TIME, the refs actually called a game fairly in San Antonio. Either way, should be a great series!
Mark my words. Dallas will lose to Golden State in 5 games. The Mavs dream of winning a title this year will be astonishingly derailed by the athletic up and comers. Dallas could not have drawn a tougher 1st round match up. The Spurs will be seriously challenged by the Nuggets, but should prevail in 7 games.
AI will not let the Nuggets lose intensity. San Antonio will come back strong but in the end, AI's heart and leadership, coupled with the nuggets superior athleticism and improved defense will be too much for the
Spurs to handle As a Nuggets fan, I'm greatly encouraged by last night's game. But I've seen a lot of inconsistent play from the team this year, especially at home, so I don't think San Antonio needs to worry yet.
My prediction is that Golden State will stun everyone by winning the series in 6 games.
I think the Warriors are more dangerous than AI and Meli. The Warriors will run the Mavs big lineup into the ground. The Mavs seemed to have too much confidence when they stepped on the court. I would not be surprised if the large Mavs lineup comes out next game and Jackson and Harrington have a fantastic game at home putting the Mavs behind. The Warriors are playing with too much chemistry and are doing the little things so well that they previously lacked. The pick and rolls, the double teams, boxing out, and rebounding, which is especially important for such a small team. I see the Warriors win in 6 while the Spurs will get back into rhythm win as Carmelo and AI cannot be hot to carry their team down the stretch.
I wouldn't read too deeply into Golden State's victory over Dallas; Avery Johnson has one of the deepest teams in the league and adjustments can only go so far... while Golden State and Nelson have exploited Dallas effectively this season, Dallas is a team that doesn't roll over for anyone. Mavs in 6.
The Nuggets have finally created a chemistry and healthy lineup with 2 go-to offensive options that I think could very well be the makings of a possible upset, but Karl v. Poppovich? Hmm... Nuggets in 7. Both series Denver versus the Spurs and Dallas versus the Warriors will be good games down to the end. If the officiating become more consistent, we can expect to see the Warriors and the Nuggest move on the the next round. I still don't understand how Dirk is the top MVP candidate. Of all of the candidates, none of them had a great game except Kobe.
Spurs fans better watch out. Nuggets are dangerous, and I think they were built to beat a team like the Spurs. I thought the Spurs looked frustrated most of the game on Sunday, and that works to the Nuggets advantage. Look for Camby and Melo to have a great game two, and look for AI to dish out double figures in assists in game to (maybe a triple double brewing?)
I think San Antonio has real cause for concern. Denver has alot more talent and a much more talented and experienced veteran presence (Iverson and Carmelo, Nene and Camby who have developed over the years. Also don't foget George Karl). I don't think people should under-estimate the "Iverson" factor. We should remember that he is one of the few superstars to step his game up in the playoffs big time.
Dallas on the other hand does not have much to be concerned about. Golden State may hang around a bit but they don't have the veterans and big time players to close out a series against Dallas. However Dallas should worry about exhausting too much energy against Golden State if they have to play against Houston in the 2nd round. I expect both the Spurs and Mavs to bounce back in game 2.
How many times did Dallas beat Golden State this year??? Oh yes...zero. Dallas' season will be over within 9 days.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me four times in one season, let the Mass Hysteria start...
These are two interesting matchups. The Nuggets are the exact opposite of the Spurs...fast, shoot the lights out vs. slow, bang it down low, & defense defense defense. Its like a yin and yang of sorts and potentially could yield a Nuggets victory. Golden State and Dallas are similar teams...both very deep. Its the toughest 1-8 matchup in a LONG time, but I expect Dallas to get the job done in 6 or 7...but it very well might wear then down for their next opponents...
Ha Ha Ha. It makes me laugh when I see the above poster's comments about Dallas losing in 5. Golden State and Denver wanted it more the first game, thats all. Neither seris will go to 7 games with Dallas and SA advancing to meet in the Western Conference Finals.
Denver definitely has a better team than they did in 2005 when they lost four straight to the Spurs after winning the first one. I think they will challenge the Spurs all the way to Game 7. In the end, I just don't they've been consistent enough to pull it out.
As for the Warriors, if they can play "Nelly Ball" consistently, I think they will win. If Dallas wakes up and turns on the defense as they did every now and then in the regular season, they can dispatch the Warriors in 5. Both the Mav's and the Spurs are fine. These two teams are the elite force of the NBA and they just got overplayed and out hustled in game one. All I have to say is that the Warriors and Nuggets better be ready for some serious ball to be played come game two because the Mav's and Spurs will be coming out with a lot steam to blow out.
Raman from San Jose, CA
Dallas will lose to Golden State in 5 games! Some teams just play some teams tough and this series is a perfect example. On the other hand Spurs are a very well coached and balanced team and will win the series in 6. Having watched the Warriors beat every top team in the league this year, it comes as no surprise to see them beat Dallas in game one. Just wait until Richardson and Ellis get untracked and Dallas finds themselves with more adjustments to make. The NBA just got a wake-up call to one of the most entertaining teams to come along in years.
though the Spurs lost the Game 1, remember the score was tied at 75 when 6 minutes left in the game, despite the bad game from Spurs's big three. It was just the night when all AI and Carmelo's shot went in and all Tim, Ginobili's shots did n't. Spurs are usually good after the loss. Spurs will play well in Game 2 and even the series. Then, spurs will prevail in 6.
The Warriors-Mavs 1-8 seeding is misleading. The Warriors is a completely different team from the one that started this season.
Over the past 20 games of the season, when they had all their players, they've won against the teams that they're going to meet at the playoffs, in this order: Dallas, Houston (and Utah), Phoenix, Detroit. Yes, they've won convincingly in Detroit, and they're likely to do it again. I would not underestimate the Warriors. Sometimes, even if a team is technically superior, they can lose to a team that has found a way to win against them. As someone who lives in the Bay Area and watched the Warriors all season, I think they have the Mavs number.
Being a Dallas Native and witnessing 'Nelly Ball' for many years, I can say this. It is exciting as hell to watch but it never took Dallas to the big dance. The same will hold true for Golden State. I am not concerned about the Mavs losing to Golden State however, a 4 game series would have done wonders for Dallas. Mavs will win in 6 or 7. A tough opening round series is what 'the little Mavs' (as they are called in Big D) need to remind them that this is a new season and what they did prior to this series really means nothing now.
Mavs. please do not disappoint me
again. Play your game, you can do it. There are going to be a lot of upsets this year in the western conference.
the truth of the matter is Warriors are not your typical 8th seed, if they had this team all year and had an average amount of injuries they could be a 5 seeded team, sucks for dallas to draw them in the first. Jrich, Monta and Al had bad first games, they got good looks just didn't hit, don't look for that to continue. Warriors will shock the world Warriors in 5!!!
Avery Johnson did NOT make a mistake by playing "small ball" in game one. He really didn't have a choice. It was Devean George's defense in the first half kept the Mavs in the game. in the second half, when Mavs played Diop and Dampier, they couldn't chase the Warriors around the court anymore, and the Warriors scored 59 points compared to 38 in the first half.
What I don't see here is a comment on the absolute opposite of an MVP performance by Nowitzki, 4 for 16 !!??. That man runs and hides when it is on the line or blows it when he gets enough nerve to take a shot. How anybody can say he is worthy of MVP consideration has to be a homer for the Mavs. Com'n think back you Mav fans, when was the last time he won a game on the final shot. Sure he has stats, but there are a dozen guys I would rather have at crunch time.
The talking point about the Warriors-Mavs series seems to be that when the Mavericks go big they will take over the series. This simply is not true. They still should win the series but that is a irrational sentiment started by Charles Barkley on TNT. Just because he feels that the Mavs are a much better team does not mean that the Warriors don't present a terrible match up for Dallas. Just look at the Warriors regular season defeat of the Rockets in Houston where they held Yao under 10 points for only the second time all year. The small line-up destroys centers on offense and defense, no question.
Don't dismiss Golden State too quickly and this series isn't going to be a "gimme". Golden State for once has a healthy squad and is going in with a lot of confidence and why shouldn't they? They're 5-0 against Dallas and have been on a roll to close out the regular season. There's absolutely no pressure on them and are playing really loose. Win or loose this series, they still win.
Within 2 points with 17 seconds left.... considering the 3 for 30 shooting start by the spurs big three (and they didn't get much better after that) this was not a shocking loss. Denver has players and some good matchups, but they'll fold like a cheap lawn chair.
I hope the Warriors win, because I like to see the mighty frown of Mark Cuban.
Mark my words. Dallas will lose to Golden State in 5 games. The Mavs dream of winning a title this year will be astonishingly derailed by the athletic up and comers. Dallas could not have drawn a tougher 1st round match up. The Spurs will be seriously challenged by the Nuggets, but should prevail in 7 games.
Dallas is too deep and the coach is too smart to lose to Warriors. So expect Dallas to bounce back in a big way. Afterall, the same critics were saying the same thing after a 0-4 regular season start.
Chill out Dallas haters!, It's only the first game.... Dallas made a big mistake and will pay.
They had a chance to get rid of Golden State the last game of the season, win the game and Golden State isn't in the playoffs. Golden State caused the Mavs so many problems, I would of took them out of the playoffs in the last game. But what did they do? They sat their starters and lost the game, only to face them and lose this serious. What a shame, Dallas loses again. Basketball is a game of matchups and Dallas will have a difficult time dealing with the Warriors speed and athleticism. Playing Dampier and Diop will only make things worse. Dirk and Howard are the key for Dallas, but the problem for them is Davis, Jackson, and the Warriors are peaking. Warriors in 5.
OK.. #1 - Dallas wasn't over confident going into a PLAYOFF GAME at HOME against a team it had LOST TO 3 times this year. Dallas was simply outplayed. And yes, Dallas had an off shooting night, but so did the Warriors, save for Baron Davis in the second half.
The series will go seven games. The question is, can Dirk handle the pressure of that game and overcome a scrappy team that will have no pressure on it at all.. My guess is.. NO. Warriors in 7. the mavs will probably win game 2. but when the series shifts to oakland, they're in deep deep trouble.
jimmy M San Antonio looked old compared to Denver, and Dallas should have played their game, not Golden States. But hey, not all the teams in Texas lost!!!!! Go Rockets!!!
this is the beginning of the bay area sports revival. be aware, we are on the rise. warriors in 6, and western conference finals sleepers. i know we got all of you believing now! bay area represent. YEEE!!
Denver's win was impressive, but even if they steal two on the road, their home performance is inconsistent enough that it's no huge feat for SA to come in and take homecourt right back. Still, what a fantastic series!
As for the Mavs... you don't count out a 67 win team after a game, but unless they come out and put their foot on the Warriors' throats, they've got a tough tough series. Warriors would not have a chance against the Suns and the Spurs would destroy them, but the have legitimate chance to beat Dallas. Dallas missed a lot of shots in the first game, but the Warriors did not play their best either especially in the first half. Ellis is going to contribute much more for the Warriors than he did in the first game. Warriors in 6, possibly in 4.
Everyone gets excited about one game. the Spurs will take Denver in six and I expect the same for Dallas. It makes for great theater, but both the nuggets and warriors will remind us why they are a six and an eighth seed respectively.
San Antonio will open Game 2 the way they always do after a playoff loss- by coming out on fire and opening up some ridiculous 20 point lead in the first quarter. I've watched it happen too many times with this group. I expect Dallas to come out strong as well, although Golden State does really seem to have their number this year.
Look at it this way. Dallas normally scores 99 ppg. Do you really think Dallas isn't going to score more in up coming games? Dallas in 6.
2 years ago, Denver had no business winning the one game it got in that series. I watched it and it was the Spurs ineptitude that gave the win to the Nuggets. The Nuggets won this game, fair and square. The muscled the Spurs around and played tough D. Nuggets in 7. To the clown ripping on Nowitzki: the MVP is a regular season award. What he does in the playoffs is irrelevant. One game doesn't make a series....the Mavs will adjust to Golden State's speed and give their "bigs" more minutes to board and defend.
I live in Dallas and I have only one thing to say: Typical - Every year they say this is their year... and every year the Mavs find a way to blow it.
How many times did we see 'Nelly Ball' come up short for the Mavs in the playoffs under Nelly's leadership? Golden State is just another of Nelly's iterations, focused on mismatches that eventually wears thin. His 'genuis' will be the Warriors undoing - Mavs in 6.
Yeah, it's amazing how little Tim "I think I'll pick a fight with the officiating community right before the playoffs" Duncan can do without the once requisite help from the refs. They didn't give San Antonio any loose calls, and the result was Nene holding Tim Duncan to 14 points on 17 attempts. If that trend holds, I think the Nuggets can be expected to take the series in 6 games.
The Mavs made a mistake by getting drawn into small ball with the warriors. these are not the same old- small ball mavs. Their identity is defense first.
If they keep playing the same line up to counter the Warriors, they will lose. They should do what Charles Barkley said i.e get their big guys in and drive those midgets into the ground. SA is in for a battle of their lives against Melo, AI, Nene & Company. This Nuggets team is far more talented then any the Spurs have lost against previously and SA is older and not nearly as talented. Duncan will not be able to shake Nene and AI & Melo are too good for the Bowen & Finley...this will be an upset (Nuggets in 6).
Dallas looked like they were shell shocked last night...GS has too much athleticism and the Mavs already conceeded that they cannot play against the Warriors with Avery changing a lineup that won 67 games! Dirk looks like a wannabe against this team and Dallas is in trouble...GS in 6 Well Dallas got all the calls and lost so it doesn't look good for them if Avery still tries to go up against their small ball, but as far as San Antonio goes unless they wind up lossing game 2 it will be a competitive series with the Champs coming through, in the long run all irrelevant cause the suns will be raising the trophy
You guys in the sports media put way too much emphasis on home court advantage. Remember, they are the best teams because they win at home AND on the road. The mediocre teams that have losing records on the road are the ones that have to worry, not the top seeded teams.
The Mavs should be a little worried playing against a coach that knows them so well. You could tell Don and the warriors are so relaxed and the Mavs are so nervous. Also the Mavs are so confident and sometimes over confidence can lead to a disaster. They are a good ball team with a good coach. Avery has playoof experience as a PLAYER but not as a COACH. He will eventually get there because he has the talent. Warriors in 7. Nuggets/Spurs? Spurs in 7. Experience counts a lot in the playoffs and the Spurs got a bunch.
brian from st. louis-
look as far as the golden state/ dallas matchup goes, game one was great for golden state but dallas is just too strong this year to lose to an 8th seed, sure the warriors have threats but dallas is a powerhouse, expect dallas to come back strong and angry from this, dallas in 5 or 6 tops, Now the nuggets might actually have a shot at an upset. They came out strong, didnt force outside shots, and still played strong down low, that alone is a feat against the defensive powerhouse that is the san antonio spurs. Their big 3 did have an off night so denver needs to step up their d and cut down on turnovers if san antonio's stars get hot. San antonio will be angry after this loss and come back strong on wednesday but the nuggets are a much stronger and deeper team than they were a few years back when they got spanked in game 2 after winning the first against san antonio. Look for a close series here that could go either way, as for me im picking the nuggets in this upset, theyre finally getting some chemistry. SA was looking old last night, i know theyre veteran heavy but lasst night they looked geezsy heavy. San Antonio will be fine, there battle tested and been here before!
As for Dallas, I dont know how everyone did not see this coming. All those wins just gave them a faulse pretense that they are a dominant team. They are done; maybe in 5, especially if Dirk is the Dirk that everyone knows ( the one that dissapears when it counts, and does not take over- al- la, Duncan, Nash, Kobe, Wade, McGrady). Considering that the warriors have a 4-0 record against the mavs and ended the season 9-1 i think the mavs are out in 6
as for the nugget the spurs main three had a bad game and i think they will bounce back and win in it in 6 also You hear that? That is the sound of people tumbling off the Mavericks bandwagon at the first sign they look human.
I expect both the Spurs and Mavs to bounce back and win in 6. Both teams are deep and well coached.
Let's look at the mavs/warriors game. Mavs shot horrible. Not just Dirk but everyone shot poorly except maybe Harris who cut to the lane like a madman. Dallas won't shoot 30% the entire series and the Warriors won't shoot 60% the entire series. Don't count on the mavs to miss 5 or 6 layups when it hits game 5 or 6. Look, the Spurs big three maybe had too much time off, possibly the Mavs walked onto the court brimming with overconfidence. Whatever the issues, you can be sure that both teams will take game 2. AI and Melo are a great combo, but mark my words, the Spurs will find a way to dismantle the Nuggets and it won't be pretty.
San Antonio should prevail, but it will take 7. Denver is for real, but San Antonio overall has more talent and more choices in case Duncan doesn't have it on a given night. As so far as Dallas: Where was that parade again? Not this year, Again!
The Spurs starting the playoffs with a loss is as American as apple pie. San Antonio played terrible, shot awful and couldn't buy a rebound, wheras the Nuggets shot amazingly, dominated the offensive glass and hit clutch shots down the stretch.
And still only won by a few. As always, Spurs in 6. I must say that the Spurs will be defeated in the first round. Once the AI trade was made, I knew the Nuggets would be a near impossible team to stop. They just had to get used to each other, and they did, closing the season on a tear. Their big two in Melo and AI are both clutch and dominant forces throughout games. They also incorporate their role players very well and have the ability to defend. Melo's won in the past on the college level and that will be experience enough for him. AI is a fierce competitor and has the will to win. Camby is a serious defender and a capable scorer along with Nene. All the other guys do what they have to to fill the gaps. It's gonna be tough for the Spurs who don't have these type of scorers. Timmy is still a prime time player, but not the scorer he used to be. Nuggets in five or six. Dallas in five. Avery will realize that his team is much better than the Warriors and they will come back in game two looking to kill Don's hopes
I live in Dallas and an a die hard Mavericks fan. I would say Dallas got what they deserved. Dirk didnt play like a MVP and neither did Stack like a 6th man. Its the Warriors who brought their hearts out and had a desire to win. Dallas looked like they had a sleepover of being 67-14.
Having said that I would still say Dallas in 6. Same for Spurs.. they should prevail in 6 too. I would love to see the expressions on Cuban's face when Mavs are eliminated by GS Warriors in 5 games.
SA will survive in 7 games I believe. I felt from the beginning that the Nuggets and Warriors would be tougher matchups than the analysts say.
Still, the Mavericks and Spurs SHOULD come out victorious. They are both deeper teams with better defense. And both teams have veteran players who have gone deep into the playoffs. Avery Johnson should apply a strategy opposite that of the series against the Spurs last year. Go with a big lineup that dominates the boards and slows the game down. Perhaps a lineup of Terry, Stackhouse, Howard, Nowitzki, and Diop. The Spurs in the meantime should insert Ginobili into the starting lineup, let Duncan play at center, and use Horry at power forward. To ModNewt....About ur comment about Dallas averaging 99 ppg, look at the Warriors, they were second in the league in scoring at 106 ppg. only behind Phoenix, so to say that dallas has got it might just be a bit too much...Im looking for it to be a great series all the way to game 7, and if the Warrirs play like they have been playing, watch out Dallas fans, because the finals are looking just that much more furter away....
Anyone who calls Dirk a choke artist needs to do a little research. In the playoffs last year he averaged 29.6 points and 15 rebounds in Game 6's and Game 7's. Not to mention the 50 he dropped on Phoenix in the conference finals last year just as the Suns were about to take control of the series. He gets a bad wrap because he missed one FT in Miami and had a bad game.
Spurs had a terrible game and yet they had a chance to win the game! although Denver seemed very confident last night, but San Antonio will come out strong as always. And I don't think they looked old, c'mon they won so many games during the regular season and all of a sudden they are old? They just had a bad game. Mavs/GState...Mavs are bronken in half they are playing without confidence, they lost 15 games total during the regular season, and 3 came at the hands of Golden State.
Nuggets shot amazingly? Look at the box score, buddy. Denver shot 30% from behind the arc and below average from the field. The Nuggets had a mediocre game last night. Linas Kleiza and JR Smith, the Nuggets' two best 3-point shooters, were a combined 0-7 from deep.
San Antonio's great, but Denver's got at least as much talent, more energy, and a whole lot of energy right now. It'll be good. I say Denver in 7. The Mavericks have plenty of reason to be scared, why, because they don't have the experience of winning an NBA Championship, the lack of depth is a serious factor in the playoffs. The Spurs are more than capable of "rebounding" from this and are a traditionally sluggish starting team; they start the regular season slow, pick up steam, and then roll over other teams. I expect the Spurs to be more than capable of bouncing back from this. The Mavericks really have some serious work to do against Don Nelson's Warriors. I think this weekend more than showed us all that nothing is what it seemed to be in the Western Conference before the playoffs. The Spurs will overcome, the Mav's.....not so much.
All I have to say is DALLAS should be worried.... very worried.
SPURS will dig themselves out of the hole.... they will prevail. Nothing to worry here. DALLAS just be careful I still have you winning but be WORRIED. This is great, I'm loving it. I love how people talk all year about how this team is going to win the Championship or this team is going to the eastern confrence championship. I love teams that come together at the end, when nobody is watching. The funny thing is, the Warriors are deep. For the last month this whole team has been playing together for the first time and just killing it. Nelly ball might not win the Championship, but it definettly will set the table for the upset. Please someone tell me that was not the MVP of the league I saw last night in the late game, please. Oh yeah Cuban, you are officially the Steinbrener of the NBA. Everybody outside of Dallas hates you, at least George is liked in the whole state.
Sure Denver beat San Antonio, but did anyone notice the fact that San Antonio's big three started 3 for 21 and was still in it with 30 seconds left in the game. San Antonio's big three will not have a repeat shooting performance like that again. Denver fans should not get their hopes up for Denver to squeek it out with as bad as a shooting night that the Spurs had. Spurs in 6
this feels at lot like 05,03,and 99 again and this is a odd number year again
Since the Mav's lost homecourt, to win this series they need to win a game in Oracle Arena. The W's won 30 games at home this year, so should the Mav's be worried? Danm straight they should be. Don't let the Warriors record fool you, these guys have really only started playing together as a team 7 weeks ago and they have been amazing ever since.
The fact is in order for the Nuggets to have a chance to win both Carmelo and AI have to score 30+ each game. Both of them did in game 1 and the Spurs still had a chance to beat them. SA defense is only going to get better as the series goes on and the Spurs aren't going to shoot as poor as game 1. Let's don't give Denver too much credit that wasn't great defense by Denver it was just too many open misses and layups (especially in the first quarter) by the Spurs. Denver played good for 4 quarters, while SA played okay for 1 1/2 quarters. Spurs in 6.
Dallas looked shocked and confused. The best part of the game (besides Dallas losing) was Mark Cuban's face towards the end of the game. Golden State definitely has their number. Currently 4-0 against Dallas this season. Golden State is too athletic for Dallas. This isn't going to be your traditional 1 verses 8 seed matchup. Golden State in 6. I have to laugh at all those who think that Denver can win the series. I would like to see the look on their faces on Wednesday night when the Spurs crush the Nuggets, get the momentum and send them "fishing" next week!!
As for Dallas, I think we are NOT going to have an I-35 match up this year and it will be disappointing!!! Doesn't everyone know how this story ends? I remember everyone here in Dallas saying the exact same thing when Nellie was here. Our small ball will run all over them. Well, never happened. Fun to watch, but ends the same. Maybe in few years Golden State will earn the right to feel confident in a title run instead of basically throwing a parade for one game. Make the finals & will talk. Dallas in 5.
And San Antonio in 5. This is much more fun discussing with comparable rivals as opposed to wanna-be's. Bless your hearts you made the playoffs and that's really something to be proud of. As much as I would love for my Nuggets to stun the Spurs (and then the Suns and go on to a championship) and as much as I'd laugh at Mr. Cuban spending 100 million dollars to lose in the first round, neither of these will happen. There is a enormous divide between the western trio of Dallas, San Antonio and Phoenix. Look at Phoenix against the Lakers. Even with a 3-1 lead, the Lakers couldn't win. Those three teams are the class of the league and won't lose 4 to anyone else.
The Warriors have the best backcourt in the league; Baron is an all-star, JRich should be and Monta Ellis will be for a long time to come. They also have about the best chemistry right now; witness the camaraderie and professed "love" for Nellie. They also have a great coach for a seven game series. The upset would be for the Warriors NOT to win.
I would love to see Dallas lose just to see Mark Cuban's head explode
The spurs need not push the panic button since they have been there the last time these two teams met in the playoffs. Remember the Spurs shot miserable and were still in the game when nuggets were playing great.
As far as the Mavs are concerned, I would say its panic time since the Warriors have been destroying them over the past 5 games. Both Texas teams are going to bounce back in Game2 but I definitely dont like the Mavs chances. Dallas will beat Golden State. Folks predicting an upset in this series are crazy. Hats off to the Warriors for a nice Game 1 but the team is erratic and mediocre defensively. The Warriors will not advance. ----
San Antonio has reason to worry. The whole team (with the exception of Parker and Finley) look a step slower than they have in years past. They still have the edge on paper but they are going to have to grind it out if they manage to win at all. The Nuggets are explosive, confident, hungry and much younger. If the first round was still a best-of-5, I would say that Denver and Golden State have a shot. Unfortunately, both teams have to win three more games against much more poised, and much more (playoff) experienced teams. No chance that either will advance.
Phoenix fan here - two observations:
1) Spurs won't lose the series to Denver but I would not be surprised if the Warriors boot the Mavs in 7. 2) MVP voting ended before this past weekend's first round began, but Nowitzki's (non) performance means that if he gets the award, it will be a travesty. Everyone knows now that Dirk fades at clutch time while Nash steps up. All other things being equal (and they are with those two), that's the difference. MV3! MVSteve! Kay, i know the mavs are arguably the best team in the NBA and they shouldnt worry about and 8th seeded team, but i believe they hav more to worry about considering the 4-0 season sweep with the warriors, so i think warriors will win in 6
and the for the spurs, they manage to always provail with they defensive mindset and offensive attacking, sure denver won the first game but i dont think a iverson/melo duo can win the depth of the spurs, i say spurs in 6 or 7 It seems like Dallas wanted to play the Warriors in the playoffs, rather than the Clippers with their approach to the last two games. Dallas got their wish, but probably forgot that the Warriors have been on a tear in their last 10 games and will beat Dallas in this series. Dallas was banking on the lack of playoff experience that the Warriors have and made a bad choice that will hurt them in the end.
moto said: ...wheras the Nuggets shot amazingly
What are you talking about? Denver shot .455 from the field. What's amazing about that? The Nuggets beat the Spurs by playing D and executing in the half court. This aint the Spurs of years past. People are under-estimating the Golden State Warriors even after winning game 1 when statistically speaking, the team that wins game 1 usually wins the series. Now any smart fan knows this series will not be over in 4 games and it won't be over in 5 games but I believe that 2007 is the year for the underdog (alas Peyton Maning finally over Tom Brady and the Chicago Bears stunning everyone) and I think Warriors can pull an upset. I read alot of fans comments and listening to the guys on ESPN.com they are pretty much brushing off the Warriors victory by saying Dallas was just over-confident and it "won't happen again". It's funny sometimes when these "experts" talk, last year during the finals it was "Heat doesn't have the speed to keep up with Dallas" and "Heat doesn't have the players to pull off an upset over Dallas" but look what happened, I think Mavericks are a different team come playoff time and not the different team that turns it on and cruises to victory but they play at a lower level in the playoffs. Last year they needed 7 games to beat a Spurs team with Tim Duncan battling his foot ailment, Ginobili with a bad back and Parker on a bum ankle and all this after going up 3-1 on the Spurs and then they needed 6 games to beat a Suns team with no center, no big man at all. Amare Stoudemire was out all season and Thomas didn't play in the series and Mavs needed 6 games to beat them, so I am truly sorry Mavs fans but I do not see how the Mavs can pull this out. Another factor working against the Mavericks is the same reason many people think they are going to win, their beautiful regualar season record, when was the last time a first seeded team from either conference won the championship? The Spurs did it 4 years ago in 2003, so it doesn't happen often. As for the Spurs/Nuggets series I believe that talent wise Nuggets and Spurs are on equal levels but the Spurs coaching staff and their experience in playoff games since their first championship back in 1999 will help them prevail over the Nuggets in seven games.
The difference in game one Warriors vs. Mavs came down to Jerry Stackhouse. 0-6 from the field and 5 turnovers equate to at least 12-14 points. Mavs must find a way to stop one guy, Baron Davis! Can you say flashback to Dwayne Wade? Mavs in 7.
One mega superstar is usually enough to get an NBA team into the playoffs and contend.
Two mega super stars on one team are virtually unbeatable. Its the Nuggets all the way! If A.I. can take Eric Snow, Jumaine Jones, and Tyrone Hill to the Finals, then for sure he can beat the Spurs with Melo, Camby and Nene. It might not happen, but it's possible. Whoever said Kobe had a great game you must not have seen the game. The last quarter is a perfect example why you should never compare Kobe to MJ. Just gunnin away from threepoint range, and taking bad shots when the team needs you the most. Great shooter, not a great leader.
AI+Melo=lost series for San Antonio who's time has come and gone. One team who's time is yet to come is the Golden State Warriors. This team will be good for a while, but as for this year, their hot streak will end in game seven to the better team (Mavs).
the nuggets didn't exactly play a great game (a ton of turnovers, six points off the bench) against a supposedly smarter, more experienced, well rested, "best record since all-star break" spurs team and still pulled out a win on the road, and not by scoring 120 points running wild. they did everything the experts said they can't do.
it's going to be a great series. the difference AI makes on this team is immeasureable. nuggets in 6, maybe 7. i'd love the warriors to pull it out, but they played a lights out, perfect game. i don't think they can shoot like that every game. mavs in 6. but go warriors! i think dallas was expecting the lakers to lose their finale and thus playing them in round 1. looking at the warriors, clips and lakers, the lakers were obviously their preferred opponent because they'd been losing and looking like a high school team + kobe. the clippers still had bite and the warriors straight out own them. their plans were ruined when the lakers beat the kings to lock up the 7 seed.
I don't think there's cause for concern for either San Antonio or Dallas. Both teams are battle tested. My prediction is the Spurs in seven and the Mavs in five.
Depending on how game 2 goes, the Warriors will beat the mavericks in 4 or 6. If Avery goes big in game 2, as everyone wants him to do, Warriors will run, and win by more than they did in game 1. If he goes small he has a better chance, the Mavs just have to figure out how to get Dirk open in new places. Nelson has his spin move figured out.
One thing that has not been mentioned is the Warriors at home. These players love the Bay Area, and their fans, and the fans have been returning the love, especially recently. Playoff ticket availability almost caused a riot on Saturday in Oakland. These fans have been waiting 13 years for a home playoff game. As Baron Davis said after game 1 "we hungry." Warriors will take 3 and 4 at home, in what will be the loudest basketball games in the Bay in 15 years. The Mavs only hope is to take game 2, steal game 6 in oakland, and get it back to Dallas for game 7. It won't happen. So...the Big Three shot 3 for 31. Is that what somebody wrote? Big deal. Denver turned the ball almost 3X a much as SA in the first half, had only 2 fast break points and hardly ANYTHING from the bench. Did SA play poorly? Yes, they did. But Denver played poorly as well and gave SA every opportunity to win that game and SA did not take it. I expect both teams to play better as the series goes along, but I do think the Nuggets will prevail in 6 games.
I don't think that there is a team in the NBA that can contain the Warriors at this point in time. I am in no way saying they are the best team, but they have more synergy than anybody else. They clearly have the mental edge in this series and should close out in the fifth game at Dallas. I think the Mavs might win one at Golden State. The Mavs can't beat the Warriors playing small ball and they will not be able to dictate tempo with their big front line, if Avery Johnson decides to go that route. The Warriors are inside the Mavericks' heads and under their skins. There's nothing worse than getting beat by someone is also suing you, Mark Cuban.
Those who suggest that the Mavs will inevitably step up their game forget that the Warriors have gained confidence and experience from Game 1 and still have plenty of room to step up their game as well. Now that the Warriors are over their Game 1 jitters and playing with confidence, I expect to see them go over 100 points in coming games, as they did in almost all their games against good teams at the end of the regular season. Even if the Mavs can cool down Baron, other players like J-Rich will be there to fill in the gap. The Warriors are really playing as a team now, and the Mavs have their hands full. The Warriors should win it in 6.
Well, last night's Golden State/ Dallas game was one of the most exciting games I had seen in years. (It reminded me of some of Reggie Miller's games in the 90s, with all those three pointers going in). Certainly, Dallas has the talent to win, but that doesn't mean I won't be rooting for Golden State and Baron Davis.
Mavericks will win this series if Dirk plays smart and not try to win the game by himself. Clearly the Warriors are using the tactics from the Miami Heat against Dirk. Dirk needs to immedialtely look for a open cutter to the basket or open jump shot to exploit the double and triple team. Also since foot speed aginst the Warriors is hampered by Dampier,Willis, and Diop not being able to run the floor with the "Small Ball Assassins", move Dirk to the Center position, and have them guard him in the low post. There will be no way to stop him, and if they double him, swing the pass out to a open shooter. On defense play each Warrior straight up with the quickest lineup and contest every shot. No open looks for the Warriors and pound the boards when they shoot form outside. No second shots of rebounds.They must be relentless. Avery needs to substitute freely and not let up.
I do not see how anyone can take the Mavs' 0/3 record against the Warriors in the reg. season as a fluke. If the Warriors had gotten one game off the Mavs, maybe.. but THREE.. umm make that FOUR after yesterday. Golden State has Dallas' number! Until Dallas wins this series, I cannot think otherwise. I would like to see the Nuggets hit more shots in the first half. I love how they shut down Duncan. I am ready for new blood in the West. I think the Nuggets would have to win game two before I believe they can take this thing from the Spurs, but I do believe Dallas is done.
The Warriors have the energy, but too many things went wrong for Dallas for there to be reason for concern. Dirk and Stackhouse not hitting a thing, Howard missing easy put backs. Doubt that will repeat. Also, the Warriors better pray that Davis doesnt faulter even a tad... Only if he goes off for 30 a game do the Warriors have a prayer... Remember back a few years when PHX stomped the Spurs in the reg season? and then PHX won the first game in the playoff series between the two? Spurs won in 5... Mavs in 5
Hey San Antonio I can't wait for Western Confernce Finals matchup, it will be great AGAIN!
-Dallas Dallas will rebound. Avery Johnson coaches better when he has reliable film to study. Golden State threw everything they had at Dallas in game one, and Don Nelson will go into everyone other game with the same plan they will not change. Avery will adjust, and he will start a true center and play Dirk at the 4. In a Seven game series, the better team always wins.
Yes, the Warriors are for real. They are the best of the 4 teams in California. After the trade with the Pacers, they just needed some time to mesh their games together. The starting five are all players who can average more than 20 points a ball game on mediocore or poor teams. I think they lack experience to make it far or even out of this series, but they are a couple of reserve players away from being a serious contender. The game that opened my eyes with them was when the Suns went to Golden State about a month ago and Golden State literally forced the Suns to slow their game pace because they were getting run out of the building. This never happened in any of the Suns game this season. That's how versatile the Warriors can be with that line up. I'm an old school fan and I think that having a big man in the middle is still the way of consistantly winning in the NBA, but it does seem as though the league is evolving more into an athletic players domain. I live in LA and bleed Laker yellow, but I'm happy for the fans around Oakland/San Francisco area. We (Lakers) had a great rivalry against Sacramento over several years, but now maybe it's the Warriors turn. Whether they win game 2 against the Mavs, expect the Warriors fans to be absolutely crazed when they come home for game 3. I won't gaurantee the series, but I gaurantee the Warriors will win game 3 (unless Dirk can perform a game like Charles Barkley did when the last time the Warriors had a home playoff game, 50+ points, 20+ rebounds), which means this will probably reach game 7. One more little thing to add... When the Warriors are introduced at their home game, they should steal a little line from the movie, "The Warriors" of course, and have the arena microphone play the line "Warriors, come out and play yeh"... Shaq stole another line from this movie when he yelled "Can you dig it" at the Lakers championship parade.
Iverson has been too hungry for too long. No one could ever question his heart or talent; at this point he has the veteran leadership and sheer force of will to keep the nuggets playing at their best. which should be good enough to get to the championship. nuggets in five, six at the most.
Let the numbers do the talking. This season (including playoff game 1), the Mavs have won 65 of 83 games for a .783 winning percentage, one of the best in NBA history. However, since the Warriors got healthy, they have won 17 of 22 games, for a .773 winning percentage. This is hardly a normal 8-1 seed matchup. And when you consider the Warriors season record against the Mavs, and that they now have home-court advantage, the series is clearly a toss-up. "Cause for concern?" Absolutely.
Not many people know much about the Warriors. All they hear is what they hear and see on TV channels like TNT, and you follow it. If you knew anything about the Warriors you'd know that they did not have a complete squad until towards the end of the season. With everyone healthy, they ended the season strong. They've got a deep team with a lot of fire and hunger. They deserve their respect. Also, if you're #1 in the league, why the hell would you change up your lineup for the 8th seed? One word: SCARED! Warriors win in 5!!
Is there cause for concern in Big "D"....of course there is. The starters were 29 for 77 FGA, and the bench was a wopping 1 for 8, you can't win many games shooting like that. The question is, was it Warriors D or Dallas ineptitude...game 2 should answer those questions....Mavs in 6
AI and Melo showed what they can do, but can they do it consistently: Yes - upset win over the cry baby Spurs No - gone fishing. Heart - Nuggets in 6 Mind - Spurs in 6 or 7 Some teams just seem to own others and although it does not look good for Dallas after game 1 and after not being able to beat GS in the regular season the Mavs will regroup and win in 7. They are just to good and experienced!!! As for the Spurs, they look old and tired they will be done in 6 games!!!!
Golden State poses a dangerous threat to Dallas' euphoric season. After winning 67 games, breaking several records and establishing itself as the standard for league dominance, Dallas seemingly looked to ease its way through the playoffs. But Golden State's heroic efforts in eking into the playoffs kabashed all hopes for Dallas. Golden State's head coach Don Nelson's 10-year experience with coaching Dallas, knowing their strengths and weaknesses better than his own team will allow for Nelson to exploit all areas of Dallas' attack and coach Avery Johnson, who hasn't yet dealt with such a gritty, hungry team, won't have any answers--at least not until it's too late.
San Antonio is OK, a couple of shots didn't fall. As I recall, Denver won game one in 2005 and came back in game 2 and lost by nearly 40 pts. So lets not all jump on the Nugget bandwagon. When they get past round 1 of the playoffs then they will make a believer out of me..but just game 1 of a series just tells me that you guys came prepared to play..isn't every team suppose to do that.
just to clear something up about the MAVS/DUBS game. The Warriors had an off night offensively too. Anyone claiming they had a 60% Field Goal Percentage needs to check the box score. When they get STUPID HOT look out. WARRIORS beat the MAVS with defense, belidat!
To all the Golden State and Denver fans, wait until game 2 before you start saying your teams will win. It is just one game, lets see by the second game what happens. The Spurs and Mavericks should be fine if they both win game 2. Golden State fans should be lucky their team is even in the playoffs!
Game 1 was just the appetizer, as much as some would like upsets to happen, the Spurs and Mavs will both win in in 6 games or less.
The entire Spurs-Nuggets game was poorly played on both sides. Ginobli/Duncan/Parker couldn't shoot at all, and no one but A.I./Carmello could hit shots for the Nuggets. By game three, when the teams are used to each other, the younger, more athletic Nuggets will take control of the series and beat the geriatrics in 6.
common mistake to think the Mavs wanted to play the Dubs just because they sat the starters in the reg season finale. In reality they wanted to play the Lakers who would have dropped down to the eighth seed with a L and a Warriors win. Either way Huge miscalculation by Dallas cuz Baron and Co. are going to keep rolling over them. Nothing like ripping NBA title dreams from Cuban. LOL
It's bad karma to throw a game to determine who you would draw in the playoffs. I remember the Lakers got fined when it happened in the Magic era. You wanted the Warriors, you got the Warriors.
Who knows what will actually happen between the Mavs/Warriors... thats why they play the game, I think it is clear to everyone now that it will be an interesting series, perhaps the most interesting first round series to watch.... and I dont know anyone who lives in the Bay Area that doesnt like their chances, especially in light of how they have played towards the end of the season.. I dont think anyone actually knows (including the Warriors), how good they are... the good news... over the next few weeks, we will find out. Sit back and enjoy Warrior fans, its been a long time coming !
Too bad for San Antonio their isn't a senior league, I believe they could be very competitive, possibly even win. Maybe they can coax Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith out of retirement, it might be an upgrade.
Are some of you serious? I see alot of people pointing out the fact the "game was tied at 75 with 6 minutes despite the ineptitude of the spurs big three" Ok let me point out a few things to you. First they shot bad yes, but um maybe some credit to defense? Seondly, they shot 17 MORE SHOTS in the first half!! Thirdly the Nuggets gave them 11 turnovers which kept them close. So why don't you go check some of that stuff out and we'll talk the second half. Spurs shot very efficiently in the 2nd half of the game. Nuggets dropped turnovers and caused the Spurs to raise theirs. Last point is the game was tied at 75 when both teams finally were playing well. Get it? BOTH teams playing well. In the final 6 minutes the Nuggets had countless defensive stops and clutch scoring. The Nuggets deserved this win, they played good enough to win. They didn't get lucky, they didn't get a gift. They played great team basketball. GO NUGGETS let's get game 2!
I don't think the spurs have much to worry about; that first half was so horrific there is no way they can shoot that badly again. The Mavericks on the other hand had best get ready for a struggle. Golden State looked faster, sharper, and more intense. Spurs win the next four and send the Nuggets packing. Mavericks/Warriors comes down to game 7 with Mavs sneaking into the next round.
For all you people saying Dirk is not worthy of MVP that's more BS than I've heard in a long time. Yes I'm a Mavs fan, but he has the numbers, he was on the best team in the league and he is one of the Top 5 players in the game today. So what if he was 4 for 16? Everyone has an off night once in a while and his just happened to come that night. In case you didn't see the game everyone else was off too. They couldn't get a shot to fall. The Mavs and Spurs will be fine because both of these teams have something the others don't more playoff experience and NBA Finals experience. Both of them knows what it takes to get there and they will meet in the WFC. All due respect to Phoenix, but if they are to meet San Antonio in the Semi's, the Suns won't be playing a one man team as they are right now in the Lakers.
Mavs will be fine, this isn't the regular season anymore and that streak will go down in flames. Mavs in 5 or 6 Spurs will have it tougher though, but I still see them winning in 6. And for one of the previous posters who wanted to know the last time Dirk hit a game winning shot, how about against Phoenix in December and game-tieing against the same Suns team in March. So don't tell me Dirk can't hit the "big shot" he just trust hit teammates to help him win the game. i LOVE watching the mavs lose.
5 STRAIGHT playoff losses and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Mavs and Warriors are an interesting series. Both teams are extremely talented, but I think down the line the experience of the Mavs in the playoffs will come into play. Look for the Mavs to struggle in the next round. The same can be said for the Spurs. The Nuggets have two great players, but Timmy and the boys will survive a hard fought series. Look for them to struggle as well as they advance. I'm not much of a Suns fan but look for the them to advance to play against a very weak eastern confernce and take the championship.
Oh no, a home loss for the Mavs! Holy crap let's fall off the bandwagon.
I'm a Dallas native and fan, and when I watched the game, Dallas could barely get even easy looks to go in. If Dallas can get inside a few times and have some jump shooters heat up, I expect them to win. Teams can come back from 1 or 2 down pretty easily, remember the Finals last year? The key to answering this question has little to do with the Mavs or the Spurs. I think everyone knows how they play and what they can do. But both the Nuggets and the Warriors are relative unknowns due to two major factors: First, both teams executed major trades mid-season and bore the fruits of those trades down the stretch; and second, both teams had major players out for extended periods of time. Because of these, no one really knows how good the Nuggets and Warriors can be. Also, it is important to note that the three highest scoring teams in the NBA, the Nuggets, Suns, and Warriors, all won their first game.
Could those who are talking upset in either series wake up and smell the Starbucks? The reason the Nuggets and Warriors have the records they do is because they cannot do what they did in their respective game 1's CONSISTENTLY! And of course, the inverse is true for the 2 Texas teams. I'll be surprised if either series goes to 7 games.
The key to the nuggets spurs series is how effectively can nene and camby defend duncan. They did a fantastic job if it in gm 1 and if they continue to be as effective it will be a long frustrating series for duncan and denver will win the series.
I would not mind seeing the warriors beat the mavericks. I have always thought don nelson was a very good coach. in denver/san antonio series this will be a hard fought game for both teams. these 2 teams have the ability to beat one another. and there are some reasons for each team to win...
for the nuggets to win they must play good defense just like what they did in game one, they don't need to be worry on who's gonna provide the scoring touch, everyone of them can explode at any time particularly melo and a.i... with all of their big men playing tim duncan to stop him, they did a great job... lastly this is not the old nuggets that they eliminated two seasons ago, it's a 'championship bound team with less expeience'... for the spurs, they must outplay the nuggets in every occasion and believe me they have the skills to do that... scoring on both ends and defending very well is what the spurs in known for... they must play like the spurs that we saw in the past months, they're just unbeateable on that form... with the trio of manu, timmy and tony they can win it all... lastly, i pick the nuggets to win the series in 6 games not just because i'm the no. 1 fan of melo and a.i... denver is a different team now, with george karl in helm and with the big guys that can defend the interior (marcus camby the soon to be defensive player of the year). they will win and will face the suns in second round... believe me! Being a Mavs fan, I would love to see them win this year. I know many of you hate Mark Cuban, but he doesnt play basketball, so please stop with the bashing. He just gets overly excited. Dirk is only human. Everyone has their bad days. I really hope their performance gets better. I really hope they can get past the Warriors, who are doing surprisingly well. Maybe they just needed a warm-up game. To all of you Dallas haters, please realize that every year...one team has their time to shine. It was taken away from Dallas last year and I really hope it comes back this time. I know a lot of Dallas fans will be dissapointed if it doesnt. May the best team win. Afterall, what can YOU really do??
We see this year after year. A great team losing the first game of a 7 game series. Folks they play 7 for a reason. Let's not get excited about games where both teams are sizing each other up. The will to win rests with the Spurs and the Mavs. Furthermore, go into the numbers and you will see that both higher ranked seeds can overcome Game 1 defeats with a few tweaks and with the right personnel, no question. We all would love to see upsets but no chance. San Antonio hits point blank layups (Tony Parker missed like six) then we have a different result. Dallas plays big and not small and same deal. (Last year SA did the same thing with Dallas to match speed and they lost to Dallas in 7)
Lastly, The Spurs and Mavs have not played their starters or big guys since they met last week Sun. it's called rust. Expect chrome rods on Wed. Lars from the A. I know one team that doesn't feel it's a concern - the SUNS ! All they have been hearing is that they'll be too beat up from playing the Spurs to get past Dallas. That's if either of those 2 teams get past the 1st round!!
It’s great to see the Spurs fans come to the realization that their team is old and slow (Tony Parker not included). Let's see if the Spurs still have what it takes to win a championship. I think they'll be lucky to get out of the first round.
I really think the Mavericks will prevail, but I thoroughly enjoy watching Mark Cuban squirm. Go Warriors!!!! This GS Warrior's vs. Dallas Maverick's scenario is reminiscent of the Superbowl a few years back (Tampa Bay vs. Oakland). John Gruden took it to the Raiders since he knew the offense and defensive schemes.
Nellie is in just such a position. The Mav's have everything to lose and nothing to gain with a hall of fame coach as an opponent. If it goes to a game (7) the Mav's will choke under such scrutiny and unbelievable expectations! Dallas may be over analyzing their strategy to match up with the Warriors defense. Warrior's offense is plain and simple (shot selection), especially with Baron Davis playing his game. What Dallas needs to do is prevent Warriors from setting up their half-court offense. Which basically means, Dallas needs to set up on their defense on each possesion. Dirk will need to step up his game as well.
the nuggets and the warriors will not win a series against the spurs or mavs. the spurs and mavs are just too experienced and have too good defence to lose against the warriors or nuggets. spurs in 5/6, mavs in 6/7
Make no mistake, Dallas swerved into a ditch and can't go backwards to get out. Neither their A team bigs nor their small lineup with Dirk at 5 has or will work against the dubs, and Avery knows this now. For all the Mavs storied depth the mismatches favor GS.
Hope and pray that Dirk wakes up, but confident it will actually happen? Very possible he gets 50 pts, in the series. He has a way of disappating when the pressure's on and he runs out of options; he's fairly easily frustrated (for an MVP candidate). Certainly can't rely on his D to contribute. If Avery wants to match wits with his mentor he should bench the Dirkster; no joke, Dallas was most effective when he was sitting. The key isn't the supposed MVP at all; Howard is the player that can really kill the Warriors. Everybody here in the bay area wishes with all our hearts that Avery thinks it's Dampier though because if he relies on his bigs the Warriors will win this series. Listen to Charles Barkley if you'd like; he's funny, just not terribly accurate. The new GS lineup plays with tons of energy and chemistry, and teams are still trying to figure out how to stop them. That they made the Mavs adjust to their game truly astounds, and completely acknowledges the fact that no one's quite sure how to beat the Warriors consistently right now. The key? Their lack of a true power forward, but to take advantage the frontcourt players need good hands and offensive inside game. None of the Mavs bigs fit that description. Howard remains their best inside player. So we love you a lot Dallas ('cept for Damp; sorry but glad you took his slow feet, stone hands and distracted mind away from us, makes Foyle look like a steal) but we honestly believe you're going to experience more disappointment and another frustrating summer vacation, this time a little early. Cheers! Win or lose, to see the look on Mark Cuban's face in the closing seconds was PRICELESS, but I don't think the Warriors are over matched in fact I think the shoe is now on the other foot. Last year in the series against the Spurs, everyone was talking about how fast the Mavericks backcourt was compared to the San Antonios and now they're being outrun and overpowered by Davis, Jefferson, and Jackson (Warriors in 5). The Spurs on the other hand have been there before and do this every year, putting themselves in these positions where all the doubters come out. Experience will prevail and just like always they'll find a way out, the Nuggets are good, but have a long way to go when it comes to experience and even AI as great as I think he is, can't carry them to the promise land this year (Spurs in 6).
The outcome of the series will be decided by whether the double-teams of the Warriors on Nowitzki can continue to work. Dirk could score anytime he wanted against just about anybody in the past. That's the reason they have the best record in NBA. But the double-teams by the Warriors apparently got to him. Without the easy points by him at crunch time, it will be a dog fight between these two teams. A chess match that is fun to watch.
whats really funny is all you people who haven't watched a warrior game all year think you know everything about the make up of this team. big or small dallas is in trouble. dallas played it's bigs when the warriors ended there 17 game winning streak. they ran them off the court. dampier is lazy and slow and if nellie plays andris to match up he will run circlse around him.dirk is a seven foot jump shooter and when you put a more atheltic guy on him it drives him crazy. so, they lost when they played big, they lost trying to play small, they slowed the game down and the warriors still beat them. the warriors are tougher, more atheletic, quicker. no trickery or magic just basic match ups. warriors in six!!!!
Mave and Spurs: Stick a fork in em'. They are done.
The fact of the matter is that the Mavs have not beaten the Warriors yet this season. Regardless of this point, the Warriors have been playing great basketball and Baron Davis seems to be playing the best basketball he's played in a very long time. I think the Spurs are also in trouble as the Nuggets have also been playing amazing basketball for the last part of the season. If Dallas or San Antonio want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they must win Game 2
Spurs will be in big trouble if Nuggets win game 2. Anthony, Iverson, and company will not go down easily withouth a fight. These guys are hungry to win an NBA title.
The Mavs have more to worry about. Avery Johnson started his small lineup with dirk at center for game one which played directly into the Don Nelson's gameplan. The Spurs routinely have some kind of hiccup in the early going before locking themselves in for the long haul. Don't expect Duncan, Ginobili and Parker to shoot as horribly as they did in game one. Pop (the most underrated coach in the game) will adjust the defensive gameplan and probably concentrate on taking out either AI or Melo because no one else on that team can score. And it was only two weeks ago that the Spurs DOMINATED an athletically superior Suns team. Spurs may be aging, but the talk of them being old and slow seems to be a topic every year. Spurs in 6, Warriors in 6.
Mavs have more to worry about. And to the Mavs fan who wants the Cuban bashing to stop, it won't any time soon. Cuban is the biggest whiner in the NBA and unfortunately the face of a team with no personality. Cuban is a genius and knew exactly what he was doing when he complained and was fined the last few years. As we can all see, it has begun to pay off. I honestly think that the Mavs got way too many calls in last years playoffs against the Spurs and still needed a questionable foul on Ginobili in game 7 to advance. As much as I dislike Cuban he does fight for his team but sometimes he takes it to extremes and like I said, he is being rewarded with favorable calls and treatment for the Mavs, something the players couldnt do for themselves. So no Cuban doesn't play basketball, but he has quite an effect on the game being played so he should be subject to just as much scrutiny as any player on the court.
San Antonio is the weakest they've been in years, you take away Finley and they have no bench. But they are what they are and. Now with Denver, it's a whole different situation. One key thing for the spurs success has been the defense of Bruce Bowen, and he can't guard either AI or Carmelo...AI is too small and fast, and Carmelo is too strong and aggressive for Bowen. In the end if the Nuggets win this is why.
Warriors vs Mavs: Be prepared for the biggest upset in a first round series since 1994 when Dikembe Mutombo collapsed to the floor with joy after Denver had secured the greatest upset in NBA playoff history.
The Mutombo led Nuggets beat the top seed Supersonics. Yes that was a 5 game series. And thats the reason why this upset will be even bigger! I was not shocked at all seeing the Warriors win against the Mavericks. I am very disappointed in Coach Avery Johnson because he catered his team to the #8 seed. Can anyone name a team that had the most wins in the regular season, only to change their style for the opposing team? I bet no one can because that team does not exist. I am looking forward to seeing the Mavs coach get back to his regular form, only to lose game 2 again jus like the 2 games in the regular season (yes there were 3 games, but does anyone really want to count the last one against the Mavs?). The only way the Mavs will win this series is with great contribution from their alleged MVP and Coach Johnson has to stop being to complicated and use what got them the #1 seed. The Warriors have nothing to lose, just like the Nuggets back when Mutumbo was in the roster. Warriors in 6.
I like the Nuggest, but Coach Pop is too smart defensively to let his team lose 2 in a row at home. Plus the Spurs are a really strong road team. I like the Spurs in 6. Both Spurs and Mavs will adjust and win their series. Nugs and Warriors are inexperienced and came in and won with energy and excitement. But over a 7 gamer, the best team always wins. Dallas is too deep and experienced for GS to win 4x. Same with SA. They both can win multiple games on the road. Ultimately, they are simply better teams. Dallas in 7, SA in 6.
Who's older - Marcus or Tim? Marcus and he's workin' it.
You know, being a fan for about 40 years now, I am not surprised at what is happening in the western conference.
GSW are a complete opposite of the type of teams that DAL likes to defend against. This is not the spurs or rockets. Dallas seemed lost on the court with 5-6 set plays in the entire second half. I am a Dallas fan that is why I am being very sencere to Mavericks when I say that they will lose in 6 games. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they will not get past the 2nd round. Don't really see why everybody is jumping to conclusions- this was game 1 of a possible seven- neither the Spurs nor Dirk are going to play like they did for too much longer. Spurs and Mavs in 6
The reason Avery Johnson catered to Golden State's team & style is because they lost 4 in row to Golden state. They beat everybody else. If the Mavericks wouldnt have lost - nobody would be saying anything about switching Dirk to center, etc. AJ is a good coach he went with what he and his coaching staff thought would help them beat a team they find difficulty in beating. However, I havent seen a team play with intensity and poise like Golden State in a very long time. I predict upset - Warriors over Mavs in 6.
As for the Spurs - the game was pretty close throughout the game and that was with Carmello and AI playing superb basketball - something that has not been consistent with Denver. The Spurs top 3 stars played horrible - yet again, the game was close. If 2 of the 3 stars for the Spurs play well - then SA over Denver in 6. Lakers will win the NBA Finals!
I'd like to see Avery go big in Game 2 so that when they lose again, at least Charles Barkley won't sound like a genius for saying something silly.
Nellie is very smart --the NBA allows a big man to be defended away from the basket much differently than a small man--guard. Nellie knows that he can have someone front and push Dirk around even if it's 18 feet away from the basket --let's call it the big man rule. You can't even hand check a guard --so the guard like Baron davis can get his shot off while a big man like Dirk who plays 18 feet away can be pushed and prevented from getting his shot off --Nellie is smart and finessing the NBA!!!! it's a terrible disadvantage for a big man who has an outside game but the unspoken rule was made so guys like Shaq don't dominate.
The Mavericks were trouble back in the first of the season when their owner threaten to quit. And. As they amassed the best record in the NBA it became apparent that the fix was in and the mavericks would go quitely in the night during the playoffs, and that was probably the real reason of the Mark's selling rumor as we all know that Mark has a tendacy to respond openly and negatively to bad news.
Another point is that I tried to watch an non-dallas game the other day and quit in utter disgust on how the refs. uses or not uses walking, illegal defense, offense charging, offense arm wrapping and lowering the shoulder and driving like a running back. Oh and my personal favorite is the nowhere in the neighborhood foul call to protect the player from walking call. or... the ten times a game goes up to shoot but wait until he comes down then shoot drive. Sorry, As a basketball fan I have to say the NBA does not deserve Dallas. Dallas fan wants real Basketball Please...Oh...please.....can we watch some real basketball.... P.S. The bad thing about the Final Four is that when its over we have nothing else to watch but fake basketball. The Lost Fan. What happend in game 1 for both The Mavericks and Spurs are simply wake up calls. Both teams has overwhelming talent and by far the superior teams. Such are advantages in a long series. The Pistons came back from a 3-1 deficit against the magic year ago because they have the better talent.
The Spurs should be able to lay down the hammer in game 2. While the Mavericks? Where was Dirk in Game one? Mvp? Give me a Break. Its a must win for Dallas in Game 2 or else its over. Im tired of these analysts not giving GS respect.....I guess they will have to earn it.
I love how everyone is saying dirk doesn't desverve the MVP, but lets get past game one people!!!! It's one game in an 82 game season and the playoffs! Get a grip on yourself! Dallas will right the ship and move on! Oh and by the way for you OH KOBE should get the MVP what happened in game 2 against the suns? Oh yeah they got spanked...no thanks to KOBE!!!
I'm not sure that the Mavs have the athleticism to stay with the Warriors. If the W's keep their composure, I think they win in 6. Too much offense, too many options. Only the refs can save the Mavs...and they're not the most disposed to help Cuban.
The same may be true for the Nugs. Parker, Manu and the rest of their backcourt need to wear AI down. Nene is understimated. I like the Nugs in 6 too. Both the W's and Nugs are completely different teams now than they were 6 weeks ago. The West is more loaded than ever. Here's to the upsets. The Kings are dead...Long live the Kings...and they didn't even make the playoffs LOL I really believe Golden State is not as talented or deep as Dallas, but the way the matchups work, I think Golden State has the advantage by going small. Nelson also has Dirk locked down when he spins near the free-throw line for that fallaway jumper.
Golden State over Dallas in 6 Games San Antonio and Miami, in my mind, are old teams with only a few young stars, like Parker and Wade. I think Denver, however, lacks some of the chemistry that is associated with mid-season trades. Denver over San Antonio in 7 Games Western Conference Finals: Houston and Phoenix, Phoenix in 5 Games  |
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