From what it seems, if all goes to planned, Dallas will be playing San Antonio in the 2nd round. Think we could beat them in a 7 game series?
I think Dallas can pull this off. Diop will force Duncan more to the perimeter. Josh Howard will go through Manu on offense. Maybe Dirk can take advantage of his size against Bowen.
In order for this to happen, Dirk will have to be unreal like he usually is in the playoffs and the big man combo of Diop and Dampier have to hold their own. If these things happen, we could win a 7 game series against the spurs
The Spurs are tough. I don't care what anybody says about them being "boring" and all this junk about them losing both games to Detroit in the regular season is a waste of air. They aren't to be taken lightly and they will bring it in the playoffs, period. After saying all that, this is the first year I can honestly say the Spurs don't scare me. I respect them, but they don't scare in that I don't look at them and think "we can't beat them." And that's a first. Dallas is in a unique position in that the team is built in such a way that it can take out a group of hard nosed bangers (like the Spurs) or a group of run and gunners (like the Suns). The biggest difference is this team is far tougher physically and especially mentally than it has been for many many years (since the late 80s) and we have Avery to thank for that. Also this team has big bodies in Damp, Diop, and Dirk (and even a decent selection beyond that if needed in DJ and Josh Powell) that can all work in shifts versus a guy like Duncan. Then if you switch gears and look at the speed this team has in guys like JET, Devin, Marquis, J-Ho, and even Diop at the center (and don't forget Darrel Armstrong) we can match the tempo and stamina with a team like Phoenix. Anyway, the playoffs are a long way off and there's still a lot to be settled in the regular season, but man, these guys are on the verge of taking that next step. Just ask yourself this.....would Nellie's Mavs have been able to go into a 4th quarter down by 10 and defensively lock down the opponent and come away with the win against a team as good as Memphis? Mavs have been doing that sort of thing all year long this season.
It will be a war. Who has the deeper bench and who can hit the clutch jumpers in the 4th quarter? Right now I'd bet on Dallas. They seem to believe in themselves in the 4th quarter and know and expect to win. We've no answer for Duncan except his average FT % and Ginobli and Parker are well-matched up with Howard, Daniels, Stack and Griffin. Terry isn't much on D but his Offense will be important. The MVP, Dirk, will win this series in the 4th quarter in 6 games.
if they came out on top for home court advantage...then yes. i think its whoever has home court is who wins in the second round. home court advantage is huge in the playoffs. although we do have mr ice cold on the road, and no its no NVX, its the JET. who knows, but i personally think the home court thing is who wins.
I think the window of oppurtunity has finally started to open for the Mavs this year. This is the most cohesive and talented team I've ever seen in Dallas. That said, home court is going to be the key like many have mentioned. I really favor the Mavs winning over the Spurs if they have home court advantage. Dirk must step up his game atleast this post season and not become passive as he's been in the past when he's under pressure.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TDoug:</div><div class="quote_post">It will be a war. Who has the deeper bench and who can hit the clutch jumpers in the 4th quarter? Right now I'd bet on Dallas. They seem to believe in themselves in the 4th quarter and know and expect to win. We've no answer for Duncan except his average FT % and Ginobli and Parker are well-matched up with Howard, Daniels, Stack and Griffin. Terry isn't much on D but his Offense will be important. The MVP, Dirk, will win this series in the 4th quarter in 6 games.</div> Right now, theres no question who has teh deeper bench. SA's bench is outstanding.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting VeNMaN:</div><div class="quote_post">Right now, theres no question who has teh deeper bench. SA's bench is outstanding.</div> So, you are telling me that Van Exel - Finley - Barry - Horry - Muhammed is a better bench than Harris - Daniels - Stackhouse - Van Horn - Dampier(as of now)? I'm not so sure about that.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting VeNMaN:</div><div class="quote_post">Right now, theres no question who has teh deeper bench. SA's bench is outstanding.</div> I think you got that flipped. The mavs bench is outstanding.
Is that to say that SA`s bench isnt just as good? I hate that youre all forgetting that this is a CHAMPIONSHIP team.... CURRENT champions at that. And theyve only added MORE depth. I never said our bench was bad either, but youre all getting way ahead of yourselves. Ill break it down even: Horry - Do I even need to explain? Van Exel - still a great player Muhammad - Alot of SA's own fans want him to start. And I dunno if Manu is still on the bench or not. But theres another great player if he is. To end this, I was never demeaning our bench, but to discredit SA`s bench isnt a very smart thing to do. Much like when many of you suggested that the Mavs let Kobe shoot... How many did Kobe score again?
I didn't say that San Antonio's bench was bad. If you compare the 2 that our bench is definitely superior. The spurs starters are better though so it evens out.
I think we can beat SA in a 7 game series. They are a great team, but I think we can give them problems. IMO, the key is how well Dirk or Josh Howard plays. They both have been playing great this season and both are big parts of the 12 game winning streak. Having homecourt would be a plus for us.
Homecourt is big because of the fact that San Antonio wouldn't have it IMO. Considering we own the league's best road record, we have proven that we can win no matter what the setting.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ..::Future::..:</div><div class="quote_post">I think we can beat SA in a 7 game series. They are a great team, but I think we can give them problems. IMO, the key is how well Dirk or Josh Howard plays. They both have been playing great this season and both are big parts of the 12 game winning streak. Having homecourt would be a plus for us.</div> Actually, our center spot will make our break us vs SA. If Damp or Diop are playin well enough for Duncan to respect the shot, then that will take some of the scoring pressure off Dirk. But I think we are a far better team mentally than we have ever been. And theyll need that going against the elite teams in the league.
I think it all depends on who'll step up for the Mavs if Dirk struggles. Will Josh Howard and Jason Terry step up and carry the team without Dirk?
Well I dont think Dirk will struggle, but if that did happen Howard is more likely. I tend to think JET is streaky with his shot. But I do like our chances of beating them.
