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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 |
