Why is Dallas and Houston paired in the play-offs? If Dallas has a better record than the Sonics shouldn't they be 3rd seed facing 6th seed (Sac)? If Houston is 5th shouldn't they face 4th (Seattle)? I know what will actually happen but I am a little fuzzy on why.
And we've shown that we can do that to both the Mavericks and the Suns. The beautiful thing about this team is that they've proven that they can win in any style of basketball. You want to run up and down the court all night and score at a fast pace? Cool, we'll beat you. You want to slow it down and make it a half court game? That's fine, we'll beat you. I, along with the Rockets, am scared of no one. Bring them all on.
yeah, but that was before dirk started getting the karl malone treatment from the refs. nowadays, the refs call a foul if you breathe on him or just look in his direction.
Key to stopping the Mavs............ 1. Tmac holds Dirk 2. Turnovers and fast break pts 3. We got to play our game (inside/out) 4. Yao has to stay out of foul trouble
I would definately try Bowan on Dirk. Harrassment. Dirk can get hot and just shoot lights out, but he can go away also get lost, if you double him deny him the ball. That takes quickness that Spoon doesn't have. Plus Dirk can shoot over Spoon all day. I would be very surprised if Spoon gets much time on Dirk. If he does expect Dallas to win. I think we will lose the first game because Dirk will go off over Spoon and it will be too late with Padgett and Bowen. I think the second game will be hard fought with Gundy making adjustments for Dirk. The other issues will be fouls on Yao. And stopping Stackhouse another very streaky scorer. Alot depends on our defense, and our bench hitting open looks. I like Tracy to step up for the playoffs, but I don't want the other players standing around watching him. I like the game plan against Phoenix. Use the same plan- get Yao going in the post and get back on transition. The Rockets must fly back in transition and then deny Dirk the ball in half court. As the shot clock runs down Dirk is good at getting his shot. So someone has to be quick and stay on him tight.
Show fear against Dallas and we will DEFINITELY lose...That said, I have the upmost faith in this team just like when we were holding "Beleive" placards during the Championship years...The road to the finals is long and perilous--ask the Mav's, they have choked repeatedly and went deep last yearly SOLEY due to the maniac play of Van Exel. are the Mavs deep? YES do they have 3 38% or better 3-point shooters? YES Are they playing better "D"? YES Does Shawn Bradley look like a Preying Mantis? YES Can they play the Rox in a defensive, half-court playoff series? NO Can they contain OUR 3-point shooters AND Guard the paint? NO Will they stop T-Mac over a seven game series? NO Can Aver Johnson out-coach Van Grumpy in the Playoffs? NO I'm excited, imagine how much it would sting Dallas to bow-out in the first round to the Rox?? A great wail would arise out of DFW such as never been heard before!
I don't agree with this strategy. T-Mac will tire out if he has to guard Dirk. Plus on the other end, Dirk probably won't tire out because he won't be given the responsibilty of guarding T-Mac. On the occasional big plays, maybe let T-Mac guard Dirk, but not consistently over a whole game/ series.
This is defintely right on. Tmac cannot guard Dirk and be our #1 scoring option for 7 games period. If we get to an elimination game then let Tmac guard Dirk but not until.
I would play Padgent and Bowen on Dirk for most of the game then have Tmac play defense on Dirk to finish it up. I don't think Spoon should see anytime on the floor agains the Mavs. End of game lineup should look something like this. PG Sura/James (whichever player is having best game) SG Wesley SF Barry PF Tmac C Yao
I`m hoping we dont have to play Dallas or San Antonio, I think they will give us the most trouble out of all the teams in the playoffs.
