Jason Terry

On his superstitions

I sleep in the game shorts of the opposing team the night before a game. I've got buddies on almost every team, so I've collected all the shorts. I also eat the same thing before every game: a little tortellini with barbecued chicken, a glass of water and a glass of cranberry juice. Got to have it.

On the difference between regular-season and playoff basketball

Every possession is critical. You never know what play can have an effect on the entire series. I remember Game 6 last year against Phoenix. There were eight seconds left, and it seemed like we had everything under control. Our stuff was packed to go to Phoenix for Game 7. But then [Steve] Nash comes down and hits a three, and we [go on to] lose in overtime. One play, man, one play.

On teammate Dirk Nowitzki

We've become a lot closer. We have lockered next to each other for two years, and we spend more time together off the court, going to movies, lunches, working out late at night. The thing last year [when Nowitzki berated him for playing lax defense, which led to Nash's game-tying shot] didn't affect us. It was in the heat of the battle. I understood his frustration. I felt the same way.

On the position he prefers to play

My favorite position is whatever gets me on the floor. I'm a point guard at heart, though, and I idolized Isiah Thomas. He answered this same question when he was a rookie. He said he was a basketball player. That's the way I approach it.

On how to beat the Spurs

You have to match their physical play. They get down and dirty and do the little things so well. You have to keep Tony Parker out of the lane--he's one of the best penetrating guards in the league. Can you rattle them? Well, they are savvy--that's why they are the champs.