<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"We found a solution that worked for us," center Erick Dampier said. "We're going to stay with it and see what happens in Game 5." The Mavericks chose not to provide defensive help on Nash when he drove to the basket or to an open spot for a jump shot, opting instead to stick with their men and clog Nash's passing lanes. Although Nash scored a career-best 48 points, he had just five assists to go with nine turnovers - and Dallas won by 10 points. "I don't expect Nash to try and get 48 again," Mavericks swingman Jerry Stackhouse said. "We made him take shots, and he said to himself that if they're going to allow me to do this, then I'm going to take advantage of it. But we know that's not the best way for them to play, so we've just got to keep trying to force him to make plays." While Nash's passes may be the focus of the Mavericks defense, keeping Dampier involved in the offense also will be key to their success when the series resumes with Game 5 on Wednesday at America West Arena. The Mavericks are 2-0 when Dampier avoids early foul trouble and contributes more than 10 points and 10 rebounds. The 7-footer scored just four points combined in the two losses, including zero in Game 1. That performance prompted teammate Dirk Nowitzki to challenge Dampier in the media. Nowitzki said he and Dampier "are over" their feud, but he reapplied some pressure Monday. "He's got to find a way to stay out of foul trouble early," Nowitzki said. " . . . He has to be a presence for us."</div> Source I liked the adjustments Avery made on his defensive schemes on Nash. Even though Nash scored 48 points, he used a lot of energy being chased around by Darrell Armstrong and Jason Terry. The longer the Mavs can extend the series the greater their chances. I'm sure the Suns will make some adjustments in the next game. Amare needs to become a better passer out of double teams and Barbosa needs to slow his game down. The Mavs should also get KVH back for Game 5, while the Suns will still be without Joe Johnson.
The Mavs have found a way to disrupt the Suns offense, but by no means have they "solved" it. I expect the Suns to adjust by running some cut plays to the basket to free up Stoudemire for assists from Nash. In game 4, many of Nash's teammates stood around and watched (granted Nash put on quite a show). However, the Suns don't want to keep playing that way, or else they will lose this series. It will be great to get Van Horn back, but he is not as important to the Mavs as Joe Johnson is to the Suns. So, I don't think his return will change this series much, except for helping to rest Dirk in stretches of the game. I disagree about Amare being a passer. I agree he needs to improve, but if Amare is a passer, then Dallas is doing their job on defense. Amare needs to take it to the hole and force Dallas to foul him to stop him. Barbosa, like Devin Harris, is showing how green he is in the playoffs, and thats why they both play spastic when they are on the floor. I agree, though, that Barbosa needs to give more than just 3-points for the Suns to win (at least while Johnson is out).
