Post your analysis, thoughts and general notes regarding the Mavs series against the Suns in 2005. Please keep it clean.
Game 1: A combinatin of a total lack of competitiveness from the Mavs and an unstoppable Phoenix offense led to this 20+ point drubbing of the Mavs. Dampier just did not fight. I believe he is our best option against Amare, but if he shows no fight, then he doesn't stand a chance. As it is Amare presents a match-up headache, but if you don't even compete, then the Mavs might as well start Henderson. The only bright spot last night is that Dirk found a little of his game. I think a light turned on in his head last night, that this is not the Houston defense. He won't be smothered and he will get better looks at the basket. If Dirk can take advantage, then Dallas will have a chance. Finally, I am not surprised how much of a well-oiled offensive machine this Phoenix team is. Amare is an animal in the paint. It's not even his ability to find ways to score in the paint, but its even when he missess he (and Marion) are so quick off of the floor to follow up their missess. Nash is the driver of this machine, but they do not lose much when Joe Johnson drives. No doubt, they are efficient. Dallas needs to muck it up. I love to watch this type of basketball, but if Dallas hopes to slow down this machine, then they need to muck up the game. They need to make it ugly out there. They need to disrupt flow. I expect Dallas to show more fight on Wednesday, and unfortunately I hope they muck it up in order to win game 2.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Michau:</div><div class="quote_post">no way dallas could beat phoenix</div> Expand on that a little and give your reasons. Do you think that "no way dallas could beat phoenix" in the series or in a single game? Your opinion is welcome.
The mavs can definitely win this series. If you watched the first 3 or 4 play the mavs ran it was for damp. And the first play Damp just manhandled Amare to the basket but missed the easy layup, if that goes in, then we go to it more often, instead of Terry and Dirk losing there trust in him. Dampier can definitely win this series for us. I dont see Amare going off like that again, and Steve Nash was kept at bay when the game was competitive. lets go mavs.
I can see Amare get off like that again, but it doesn't necessarily mean a loss for the Mavs, if he had to work for everyone of those 40 points. In Game 1 it was a dunk drill, but game 2 has to be different in that any attempt to attack the paint will be met with a hard foul. Bradley and Henderson have 12 fouls between them to contribute in that cause. If the Mavs take the fight to the Suns, then they have a chance at winning the series.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Michau:</div><div class="quote_post">i believe that Dallas can win one or two games but not this series.</div> Was it mainly game 1 that convinced you, or did you believe this before the series even started? What, in your opinion, is Dallas' problem? Why can they NOT beat the Suns?
Dallas will win this series in 7. Ever since Dampier called himself the best center in the west, things went south for him. The refs are pretty hard on him as well. I think Dirk's comments will pump him up and I expect him to have a big game. But I do think Dirk shouldnt have made the comments public, since he hasnt contributed much either!. If Dallas loses this series, either Dampier or Dirk will be out of Dallas next season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Originally Posted by kingrex Was it mainly game 1 that convinced you, or did you believe this before the series even started?</div> The way Phoenix played against Memphis and the first game against Dallas convinced me that Dallas ain?t got no chance to win this series. If Nowitzki gonna have one of his amazing games then it could be a bit more difficult for Phoenix.
Eventhough its a blowout for phoenix in game 1, i still think it can go either way. Dallas didnt play their basketball in game 1. Other than Nowtizki, other players seemed to be overcomed by fatigue. I dont know when is Van Horn going to able to play again, but once he is he will be a significant contributor to the mavs deep bench. The main difference between Suns and Mavericks is their bench. It's a series game so fatigue, and bench really takes part. Admit it, Suns probably only playing with 8 players every game. The mavs should try to wear the suns down.. They shouldn't let themselves being blown out again because it gives the suns "fab 5" a time to rest. If the Mavs can steal game 2 then it will go to the wire and the Mavs probably will have a better chance. Suns ofcourse has the advantage, because Mavs' style of play really suits Phoenix. They both run and gun and they both don't play too much defense. So it's a battle of offensive power and Suns is stronger in terms of that. I can really see that in every game in this series, both teams will score more than a hundred points. So if it is a one time game, then Suns will surely prevail. But because it is a series, then the winner could go either way. The Mavs has the chance to come back from a dissapointing game 1..
I think the Suns will take this in 5 games... To be honest I think this series hinges alot on Dampier and whether he can bother Amare enough or not. However, even then, I don't know if that's enough for Dallas to beat the Suns. They need to slow Nash down (maybe put Darrell Armstrong on him like they did to Mike James against the Rockets) and cover the spot up shooters more (especially Q).
Most of the Mavs victories are a result of their bench players. More often than not the Mavs edge out teams because their bench is deep with talent. Unfortunately, the Suns have a deep bench as well, so when the starters take a rest, the bench for Phoenix isn't going to give up a lead. The Suns also have interchangeable parts on their team, and all of their players are capable of handling the rock. When Nash rests, they can switch Joe Johnson to run the point or go with Jim Jackson or Leandro Barbosa. In the Houston series, the Mavs edged out the Rockets because the Mavs were able to extend the series. T-Mac eventually got tired from having to exert effort on both ends of the floor, and the Rockets bench couldn't keep up with the Mavs. In Game 7, both T-Mac and Yao played great games, but that 3rd and 4th scorer didn't step up and it resulted in a 40 point blowout. The Mavs bench usually allows them to get away with not having an inside-outside offensive attack. However, the Suns bench is good enough to match up with the Mavs bench. The Suns also have a potent 1-2 punch on offense being able to score points in the paint and bomb 3 pointers all game long. The Suns have the balance the Mavs lack, and the Suns should be able to win this series in 5 games. The main problem I see, is the Suns are getting away with Marion being able to guard Dirk Nowitzki. In Game 1, Dirk was settling for jumpers because he can usually shoot over the top of Marion. That's fine, but it took away from his effectiveness to get to the line and draw fouls. If Dirk could take Marion inside more, the Suns would have to make an adjustment and put Amare or Hunter on Dirk. The Suns are very thin in the frontcourt, but they will get away with it, if the Mavs continue to settle for jumpshots instead of attacking the rim. Game 1 the Suns shot 28 free throws vs. the Mavs only shooting 12, and Dirk only shot 1 free throw in that game.
Dallas needs to make the Suns play defense. That means make them get back by pushing the ball, but if an advantage is not there, pull it back and make them defend you for 20+ seconds. This is arguably the best starting 5 in the NBA, and they need to be worn down. Making them play defense must include contributions from a post player. If Dampier is not up to it, then Dirk has to be the man. The Mavs are the underdogs, so it will take the entire team again to win this series. The longer the series goes, the better for the Mavs. Nash needs to be pressed by the defense and post him up when the Mavs have the ball. It will be tough, but if the Mavs can wear down the Suns, then they will have a chance to win the series.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kingrex:</div><div class="quote_post">Dallas needs to make the Suns play defense. That means make them get back by pushing the ball, but if an advantage is not there, pull it back and make them defend you for 20+ seconds. This is arguably the best starting 5 in the NBA, and they need to be worn down. </div> I think this was the problem for the Mavs in game 1. They just were not sure how to play against the Suns. They need to make a commitment to run with the Suns and try to outscore them, which they are capable of, or play a slow tempo pace. The key to slowing down tempo is all contingent on your point below. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Making them play defense must include contributions from a post player. If Dampier is not up to it, then Dirk has to be the man. The Mavs are the underdogs, so it will take the entire team again to win this series. The longer the series goes, the better for the Mavs.</div> I honestly think it's too, much to ask for Dampier or Dirk to give the Mavs points in the paint. They haven't done it consistently in the regular season, so I don't see them starting now. I think the Mavs need to commit to making this series a shootout by trying to outscore the Suns. In the regular season the Mavs had the most success when they did try to outscore Phoenix. In their 119-113 victory the Mavs had 84 shot attempts and got the line 23 times because they were attacking the rim on fastbreaks. The Mavs also lost a close game in February 123-124, when they once again played in a shoot out against Phoenix. In this game the Mavs shot the ball 94 times and go to the line 33 times. This was the game when the refs made a controversial call on Marion's block on Dirk at the end. In game 1 the Mavs shot the ball 98 times, but only got to the line 12 times as I mentioned earlier. They were not attacking enough in this game, and tried to beat the Suns with a lackluster postup game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This was the game when the refs made a controversial call on Marion's block on Dirk at the end.</div> I saw the replay, and it was the right call. The game that they beat the Suns was Nash playing, I don't remember. Anyway Dampier is too slow to stop Amare. I expect him to get into foul trouble often.
The mavs started off against houston down 2-0, and in game 3 and 4 they made some amazing runs so i wouldnt put them out of this series. I think they will loose the series in 6-7 games. Pheonix is just too hot right now. A lot of matchup problems are there. Amare and Dampier is the biggest. From looking at game 1, dallas has to really D up cause you dont want to get in a shootout with the suns.
Very close game right now, with the lead going back and forth. The Mavs made the right adjustments by attacking the paint all night long. Eric Dampier showed up in the first half going 5 for 5 and scoring 10 points. However, the player doing the most damage tonight is Michael Finley. The Mavs are getting to the line more, but they are missing far too, many 10 out 18. Let's also hope Joe Johnson isn't seriously injured after smashing his face on the hardwood.
The Mavs just went to a very small lineup to force Amare to play defense. Dirk Nowitzki - Jerry Stackhouse - Mike Finley - Josh Howard - Marquis Daniels Very creative lineup by Avery Johnson, he's doing a great job of being flexible and realizing a small lineup is more effective against the Suns. QRich just picked up his 5th foul and Dallas has a 3 point lead 92-89 .. with 8 minutes left.
Dallas wins it 108-106 after Dirk Nowitzki hits the game winner. The Suns had a chance to win the game, but QRich missed a 3 point shot at the end. Great win by the Mavs, who executed Avery's gameplan. Exciting finish! Let's see how the Suns rebound after experiencing their first loss in the playoffs. Player of the Game -- Michael Finley 31 points including 5/6 from downtown to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
