Mavs in 6 Nowitzki is a great layer and he plays even better in the play offs. he will kill webber. But the mavs will not win against the Lakers. i hope they will, but who will stop shaq???
Me too. I was even rooting for Utah during a playoff game, but only for second. I think its those comments Webber made about killing the Rockets for not persuing him.
I was thinking the same thing. As for the series, I think the Mav will take it in 5 with the Mavs winning the series in Arco. They basically play the same style of ball only the Mavs play it better. Dirk will once again prove that he is the second best Forward in the NBA (next to Duncan).
You guys picking the Mavs in 5 or less either are just trying to be pointed or are clueless. The Kings will definetely win 2, they might win 4. If the Mavs and Kings stay playing how they are the Mavs will win in 6, but I don't think they will and their levels will equal out. I agree with A-train, Kings in 7--I think people are underestimating the inside damage Webber and Vlade will do and people forget how woeful the Mavs play interior defense is (remember the Mavs roll over against the Spurs last year even when the Spurs didn't have a guard left worth a crap). People also forget the modern Mavs have won exactly as many playoff series than the modern Kings--and that is 2, never beyond the first round. They both have a lot to prove in terms of "clutchness" and have only beat the also rans in the WC the last few years in the playoffs (Jazz, Suns, Wolves), never an elite team.
But this is only the Mavs second year in the playoffs. Two series wins in two years for Dirk and the Mavs, versus 2 in like 10 years for Webber. And Webber doesn't take it inside in the playoffs, so I'm not sure he'll be doing much damage there.
Dirk Nowitzki is CLUTCH.. He will carry the Mavs past the Kings wether it be in 4,5,6 or 7 it doesn't matter. Nowitzki is destined for greatness.
Actually I believe he was born in Germany on an Amry Base or something. He is an American citizen. As for Kings, The Mavs style of basketball matches the Kings style very well. The Mavs are one of the few teams that can push the Kings with the run and shot quick game. Bibby should be able to play good defense on Nash, Webber will probably have some great games, Stojakovic and Nowitzki should be excellent. The Kings fans seem to think Peja and Dirk are the two best Euro Players, but Dirk is in a class by himself, that guy is just incredible. I'm going to predict Kings in 7 because The Stakes aren't high enough yet for Webber to choke.
Well, he has both citizenships now. He will play for Germany in the world championship and probably the next Olympics. Now, if he also knew a few words in German...
My point though was neither team is "Fire tested"--as neither team has advanced past the 2nd round or beat a real solid WC playoff team in recent history. Also, by the above logic Bibby has an incredible 100% playoff series winning % and Peja and Hedo's aren't that bad either. Ya'll have me really torn now, I wanted to route for the Mavs but I think the Kings will win and I am having to defend by objective call on the outcome. I guess I can be validated with by objective call or get the team I would rather have win, win, I guess I kind of lose either way.
what do you mean the stakes aren't high enough for Webber to choke. I have a feeling that this is going to be one of the most exciting and fun to watch series in recent memory. Ratings for this series are probably going to be through the roof and they will probably have close to as many people watch this series as will watch the finals. Webber has choked under much lesser stakes than this.
I have to take the Mavs in 6. The Mavs just have too many weopons. The Kings need to have Paja step up in every game since he is the real key to the Kings success. Dirk is the best player in this series and will outshine Webber. Najara will get plenty of time guarding Webber and harrasing Vlade. Paja is great but the Mavs will give him a steady diet of Johny Newman, Greg Buckner and Adrian Griffin. All three will provide enough defense to frustrate Peja. When the Mavs use their Nash, Van Exel, Finley line up then Finley and Paja will play against each other and that match up is a wash. Reaf will be more than enough against Vlade if he can stay out of foul trouble. Vlade will not be able to guard Reaf since Reaf will do most of his damage on offense from outside. Guards: Nash, VanExel, Finley, Griffin vs. Bibby, Jackson, Christy advantage Dallas Small Forwards: Newman, Buckner, Wang vs. Paja, Turkoglu, Wallace Advantage Kings Power Forwards: Dirk, Najara vs. Webber, Pollard even matchup Centers: Reaf vs. Vlade advantage Mavs Most lethal line-ups: Dallas: Nash, VanExel, Finley, Dirk, Reaf Sac: Bibby, Christy, Paja, Webber, Vlade Key bench players Dallas: VanExel, Newman, Bradley, Griffin, Wang and Buckner Sac: Turkoglu, Pollard, Jackson, Wallace and Funderburk
Om no, not at least for the playoffs. Raef fouls too much and despite his good talent for a C/PF doesn't seem to have the court presence or productivity he should. My thinking is he has poor floor sense and just isn't real cognizant of game flow or something. He is really going to have to watch the veterans Divoc and Webber getting him in foul trouble and rendering him completely ineffective.
I am basing my analysis on the fact that he is younger, more athletic, can score his points from the outside and Nellie will find a way to keep him out of foul trouble. Of course we all know what a big flopper Vlade is.
I certainly agree with the younger and more athletic part--but then again Stocktan has neither at this point but is the kind of player you want to go into the playoff with. Similar deal with Vlade, he does flop, but it often is effective. Despite all of Raef's positive attributes he just looks lost out their half the time, plays tight, and seems slow in properly reacting to game situations. Raef would kill Vlade in a 1-1 game, but I think most people who simply want to win a playoff game would take their chances with Vlade.
