@ The Particulars Date: Tuesday November 1, 2005 Time: 10:30 EST, (8:30 local time) Place: America West Arena <font size="3">Projected Lineups</font> The Key Matchup is obviously Dirk Nowitzki vs Shawn Marion, as Dirk always struggles with Marion as he is quick with long arms. Dallas needs it's perimeter defense to the tops today. Jerry Stackhouse is out so look for Daniels and Christie to get most of the minutes, even Rawle Marshall should get some. Let's start the season in style! Go Dallas
Dallas at Phoenix, 10:30 pm EST PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Two of the top offensive clubs from last season open their regular season when the Dallas Mavericks visit the Phoenix Suns in a rematch of a 2005 Western Conference semifinal series. The Suns matched a franchise record with 62 wins last season, much of it on the strength of a high-powered attack that averaged 110.4 points. They were able to keep alive that style in the playoffs when they took out the Mavericks in six games. Former Maverick Steve Nash shined in his first year in Phoenix, winning the league's MVP award and averaging 30.3 points in the series against Dallas. Nash may have some added pressure when the season starts as the new-look Suns going to be without All-Star forward and leading scorer Amare Stoudemire until at least February following left knee surgery. Also gone are guards Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson, who combined for 32.0 points last season but were traded to Atlanta and New York, respectively. The only remaining starter other than Nash on a squad that heavily relied on its first five last season is Shawn Marion, a 19.4-point scorer and the league's third-ranked rebounder in 2004-05. Despite falling short against Phoenix, Dallas has matched a franchise mark with five straight postseason appearances and should be in the mix again in the loaded Southwest Division, where the Mavericks finished second last season with a 58-24 record. Leading the way was superstar forward Dirk Nowitzki, who established career highs with averages of 26.1 points, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks and a 39.9 shooting percent on 3-pointers. Dallas was 16-2 in the regular season down the stretch last season after Avery Johnson took over for Don Nelson as coach. Johnson inherited a team that ranked third in the league in scoring (102.5), but preached a defensive mindset that began to take shape until the Suns changed things in the playoffs. The Mavericks had won eight of 12 meetings in the regular season with the Suns until dropping two of three in last season's series. NBA.com preview
I cant wait to see this game. There is gonna be so much excitement. I'm looking forward to seeing Josh Howard and Marquis play tonight.
James Jones is starting at small forward for the Suns? The Mavericks' key to winning this game is stopping Nash. Terry will have to be on his A game defensively, although I think Avery Johnson will try having Josh Howard or Doug Christie on Nash to keep him on of the paint. Once Nash gets into the lane, he is very dangerous, as he can either take it himself or set others up. Dirk Nowitzki will have a tough time matching up defensively against anyone. Marion is his counterpart but Nowitzki is no where as quick as Marion, who can beat bigger guys off the dribble at power forward. The Mavs should play small ball as often as possible, to match the Suns' quickness. I can't see the Mavs winning this one on the road, Suns by 7.
This should be a good game. But by looking at just the starting line up it looks like the mavs have the edge. Dirk should come out strong and I think Dampier will afer takin heat last season from his ownteammates for not palying well. I pick Mavs to win this
I am pretty psyched for this game. But I think it is going to be way too easy to read too much into it. The reality is that the last time these teams squared off it was in the high atmosphere of the playoffs and every game was important. The first game of a new regular season, not nearly as important. So a win or loss is not going to be the end or beginning of the world.. But I am happy to have some serious basketball back.
Halftime 43 53 Leaders for Dallas Dirk Nowitzki, 11 points Erick Dampier, 6 rebounds Armstrong, Dampier + Christie, 2 assists Van Horn, Diop, 1 block Marquis Daniels, 2 steals Dirk Nowitzki, 4 turnovers I think we need more ball movement, get out assisted 6-14. We need to win this, capitalize on the Suns without Amare
Our starting point guard gets his first assists, a few minutes into the second half! Dallas down by 5, 55-60. Making a comeback
Damnit, we got it down to 4 but now its back up at 9. We came out slow of the timeout, we've missed about 6 shots recently. Is Dallas doing the same thing, letting Nash score as much as he wants but shuhtting off everyone else? Nash already has 23 points.
I just got sound! Thanks to VeN! Terry = 4 fouls Harris = 5 fouls Dallas down 13 Dallas turnover, havent scored in over 5 minutes. 1:15 left in the third
Oh my GOD! Dallas has a 21-3 run and are up 87-86 thanks to a Jason Terry layup. Dirk with a huge last quarter! 1.21 left!
3 boards, 5 assists, 2-3 charges, 2 points, 13 minutes...Darrel Armstrong. Man, what a spark. Terry on the line at 89-88 with 20 seconds left Makes the 1st (Daniels for Keith Van Horn, defense) misses the 2nd 2 point dallas lead, Nash at the line to draw it if he makes both Oh ****!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">Unbelievable comeback by Mavs, HUGE shots by Dirk.</div> Definately, he scored about 12 of our runs including 3 three's! Man, Dallas with 4.4 seconds left with the ball at halfcourt. My hitpick - Howard inbounds to Terry - Terry draws the double - Passes it to Daniels, who misses the shot
The Mavs just inbounded to dirk and let him go one on one with an premier defender in Marrion. Dirk took a long fade away that went off the front iron, very close.
Double overtime, great shot by Jason Terry, made up for his missed free throws. This is a pretty exciting game, good way to throw them into the regular season haha.
Nash has 5 fouls, if they can foul him out game over. Mavs have momentum. offtopic: What is with Doug Collins hair?
Marion fouled out and KVH hit one free throw, Dallas up 3..10 seconds left DALLAS WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
